Implementing Treaties and Treaty rights

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Assembly of First Nations Commends Work of Treaty Nations 1-11: "Implementing Treaties Central to First Nations Agenda"

OTTAWA, Sept. 23, 2011

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo commends the leadership and work of Treaty Nations 1 - 11, as they conclude the seventh annual Numbered Treaty Gathering in Tsuu T'ina Nation in Treaty 7 territory, near Calgary, AB.

"Implementing Treaties and Treaty rights is central to the First Nations agenda" said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. "The AFN is not a signatory to any Treaty and we are not Treaty rights holder, so our role is to support this work by helping to create opportunities for the full implementation of Treaties. This is the work of the AFN National Strategy on Treaty Implementation as mandated by the Chiefs in Assembly."

The three-day gathering was aimed at creating opportunities for Numbered Treaty Nations to work with the Crown to see the full implementation of Treaties in the spirit and intent originally envisioned by the Ancestors. First Nation leaders gathered from across Treaty territories that span many regions of the country, uniting in ceremony, protocols and teachings as a foundation to continued efforts to ensure Treaty agreements and relationships are upheld by all partners.

"At the 5th annual Numbered Treaty Gathering two years ago, the AFN received clear direction from the leadership to work closely with and fully support the Treaty #1-11 movement," said former National Chief and Official Spokesperson of the National Treaties 1-11 Movement Ovide Mercredi. "We gathered this week as we often do, under the banner of carrying forward the vision of our ancestors with an eye to the future to continue to move forward to give life to our rights and responsibilities under the Treaties."

AFN Saskatchewan Regional Chief Morley Watson said: "The Treaty #1-11 Movement is united and stronger than ever. Although our Treaty Nations are diverse, we share a common position that our Treaties with the Crown are the basis of our relationship, not the Indian Act."

National Chief Atleo spent the full week at the 7th Treaty Gathering hearing about the diverse approaches that the 1-11 Treaty Nations are currently undertaking to educate First Nation citizens on Treaty, re-build their nations, and return to the original notion of a true nation-to-nation relationship with the Crown. The next Numbered Treaty Gathering will take place in Treaty #2 territory in 2012. The AFN looks forward to continuing our work over the next year with all Treaty Nations.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information:
Don Kelly, Assembly of First Nations A/Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 334 or cell: 613-292-2787 or email dkelly@afn.ca

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or email jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca