First Nations Look Forward To Having Access To Human Rights

Friday, 17 June 2011 10:05

Media
Release

www.fsin.com
For Immediate Release: June 17, 2011

FIRST NATIONS LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING ACCESS TO HUMAN RIGHTS
(Nipawin, SK) Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice Chief Morley Watson says Saskatchewan First Nations support the Human Rights changes that come into effect June 18, 2011. 

 Since 1977, Section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act restricted access to First Nation citizens living or working on reserve to file complaints of discriminations if the complaint was related to the Indian Act.

“The Indian Act is a discriminatory piece of legislation that has assisted the Government in marginalizing First Nation Peoples and communities for almost 150 years,” says Vice Chief Watson. “Now we have legislative changes that are accompanied by interpretive clauses respecting the constitutional protection of Treaty rights and the role of First Nations legal traditions and customary law.”

In December 2006, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Development introduced legislation into the House of Commons to repeal Section 67.  The legislation was passed in 2008 but its application was suspended to allow First Nations to prepare for its implementation.  As is with most legislative changes that pertain to First Nations, the three year transition period came with no or little resources.

“The FSIN provided information sessions to First Nations about the changes and what the possible impacts may be,” says Vice Chief Watson. “But there is still much work to be done.  We call on the Federal Government to work with our First Nations to ensure that the implementation of the Canadian Human Rights Act is effective and appropriate.  The Federation hopes that the repeal of Section 67 will allow our people to enjoy the benefits that others may have taken for granted.”

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
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For More Information Visit www.fsin.com
Mervin Brass, Executive Director of Communications   
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