Chiefs push Premier for implementation of treaties

Regional Chief Cameron Alexis is hopeful that a recent meeting with the premier that included Grand Chiefs and the Assembly of First Nations National Chief will begin a “higher level of political discussions.”

The Chiefs, along with National Chief Shawn Atleo, met with Premier Alison Redford, and ministers Robin Campbell (Aboriginal Relations) and Jeff Johnson (Education) on Feb. 27.

“I really hope the provincial government will support (United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples) and move forward on a process to start implementing treaties in this day and age. Everything equates to treaties, education, health, economic development, all inclusive equates to treaties…Successor states, successor governments can’t just keep putting it in abeyance. In this day and age, treaties now have to be implemented,” said Alexis.

Resource revenue sharing continues to be a hot topic.

“That is something (Redford) is not totally open to,” said Alexis.
“But when you talk about revenue sharing that is innate of all the nations of Alberta. We want revenue sharing. There’s no doubt that it equates to a better quality of life in all our First Nation communities.”

In a presentation to First Nations in early February, Campbell made it clear that the province would not consider resource revenue sharing with First Nations.

However, Alexis said Redford said her government was committed to working with First Nations to increase economic opportunities through training and programs.

Alexis said First Nations will continue to push for an upgrader, especially with the province embracing an economic partnership with Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

In an unrelated news conference held the same day that Redford met with First Nations Chiefs, Redford and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said that a new upgrader was being considered.

“It is important for us to have an integrated economy…We did agree that we would move forward on (an upgrader) and it’s an important initiative that Premier Wall brought to the table and we will start some discussion on that,” said Redford.

In February 2012, the Alberta government refused funding under the Bitumen’s Royalty In-Kind program to the upgrader/refinery Alberta First Nation Energy Centre.

“Alberta Chiefs continue to lobby with respect to the upgraders because we want to be involved in the economics in this province,” said Alexis. “It was unfortunate that our proposal about a year and a half ago was rejected, but that’s not to say that the First Nation communities who want to participate will not push forward on this.”

Alexis said Chiefs will also be pushing for education dollars from the province to upgrade such facilities like the Yellowhead Tribal Council college in Edmonton as well as the follow-through of an education memorandum of understanding which was signed with Alberta’s Assembly of Treaty Chiefs and the province three years ago. The MOU provided a framework to increase educational success for First Nations youth.

“There has been movement on it but it’s been very slow and there’s different interpretations of the MOU on education,” said Alexis. “It’s a segue to begin a process to start working on a better quality of education.”

Alexis sees the meeting with First Nations representatives and Alberta government officials as a way to build bridges in a climate in which First Nations are concerned with what has often been viewed as the province’s push to move forward without adequate consultation with First Nations.

“The Premier has said she is respectful of the treaties and certainly there is dialogue and communication happening.  It needs to be enhanced and we need to continue moving forward,” said Alexis.

Alexis said Redford gave a timeline of six months to begin building a process.