A Dene leader from the Northwest Territories says he thinks First Nations need to see poverty and economic development as something that affects them all equally.
Richard Nairuhsue spoke this morning at the special chief’s assembly going on in Quebec.
He says housing, health and other social challenges are huge problems affecting reserves everywhere.
Meanwhile there are pipeline projects that promise billions to some bands.
He says First Nations need to re-think how they do business with one another and eliminate poverty in their communities:
“We have to recognize that my success is determined by your success and that my benefit needs to accrue to our First Nations people. That’s just the way it has to be. We live in different areas but we can’t see these things in isolation from each other.”
Later today the delegates will receive an update on the William court case in B.C.
One presenter calls it the most important title case before the Supreme Court today.
The late Saskatchewan activist, Jim Sinclair, is also scheduled to be recognized posthumously for his work in advocating Aboriginal rights.