Leaders are liking what they’ve been hearing from Liberals

The Speech from the Throne on Dec. 4 was short on pages and details, but for Indigenous people it underscored the promises made during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s election campaign.

Trudeau reiterated his commitment to “undertake to renew, nation-to-nation, the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples, one based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.”

He renewed that pledge four days later when he addressed the Special Chiefs Assembly for the Assembly of First Nations. He said it is a priority he has made clear to his MPs.

“This is a responsibility I take seriously and I have instructed my entire government to do the same. In the mandate letters given to my Cabinet ministers, my expectations were clear. I told them that no relationship is more important to me and to Canada than the one with First Nations, Metis Nation and Inuit peoples,” he said. “Today, I promise this relationship will be transformed and will be respected.”

At the AFN’s assembly, Trudeau provided more details as to what First Nations were to expect from his government, including an end to the two per cent cap on funding of programs and repeal of legislation unilaterally imposed on Indigenous people.

Other campaign promises mentioned in the Throne Speech included implementation of all 94 calls to action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; working with First Nations to ensure that every child receives a quality education; doing away with omnibus bills; and engaging Indigenous peoples “more fully” in reviewing and monitoring major resource development projects.

The speech also included the commitment to launch a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women. That inquiry was announced on Dec. 8.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde says he is “very optimistic” that change will take place. Part of that optimism is due to the prominence the AFN has had in the more public business of the government. Bellegarde had visible seating in the swearing in ceremony for the Cabinet; he was in attendance for the Speech from the Throne; and he was included with Trudeau and two of his Cabinet ministers as a four-member Canadian delegation for the opening of the climate change conference in Paris.

“What it says to people, to our chiefs and leadership, to the people of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations is really becoming more relevant,” said Bellegarde.

The AFN was active in the federal election, encouraging its members to get out and vote. During the campaign, the AFN released a report stating that in 51 ridings, First Nations voters could influence the outcome. In many cases, Conservative candidates were defeated in those ridings.

Dwight Dorey, national chief for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, expects his organization to get the same attention from Trudeau that the AFN has received.

“I would certainly hope so although I have no commitment or confirmation at this point of time. But I certainly would expect that (Trudeau) will be meeting, not too far off, with all the national leaders,” said Dorey.

While Dorey was pleased with the continued commitment the Speech from the Throne delivered to Indigenous peoples, he says he was disappointed with the lack of detail. He was also disappointed during the election campaign with the lack of attention to issues that face Indigenous peoples who live off-reserve. It is those people that CAP represents.

“References to Indigenous peoples of Canada (in the Speech from the Throne) without being specific, I’m going to try and ensure that it’s an all-inclusive reference and process,” said Dorey.

“For citizens of the Métis Nation, the Throne Speech represents the next step in putting into effect the commitments made by the Liberals during the election campaign,” said Metis National Council President Clément Chartier in a prepared statement.