The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is responding to the latest news about Bill C-15.
Six provinces, including Saskatchewan are asking that the proposed federal legislation, which aims to bring Canadian laws in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), be delayed to allow for more consultation.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said he was not caught off guard when he heard about the provinces making the request.
“It didn’t surprise us,” he said.
Cameron said there are some First Nations that have questions about what passing the legislation means for them and their communities. He added some have more specific questions.
“They need to know if it’s going to impact section 35 in the constitution, there are some concerns from some First Nations,” he said.
Cameron said some First Nations are also looking for more time so they can consult directly with their members.
Overall Cameron explained First Nations have inherent and treaty rights as the first peoples of the land which are internationally recognized and of the utmost importance.
“Those are our true and rightful rights as the first people of these lands, all these other, information and potential legislation, that’s second, that comes in second,” he said.
(Photo: FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron)