Alliance to push tougher stand for rights

An Assembly of First Nation’s hosted National Treaty Forum held at Whitecap Dakota First Nation at the end of March has resulted in the creation of a new National Treaty Alliance that would take a tougher stand on treaty rights. “There’s a growing sense that something needs to happen – that people need an alternative,” said Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.  Nepinak said the new group would be open to First Nations that have signed modern comprehensive land claim settlements. However, the thrust of its membership would be Nations that long ago signed treaties entitling them to rights such as reserve lands, annual payments and hunting and fishing privileges. The national forum was a follow-up to a meeting in January with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.