Mr. Bob Kennedy
Editor
Turtle Island Native Network

Dear Mr. Kennedy:

I am writing to you in light of the events unfolding on the east coast, and I want to update you on my work in support of the implementation of the Marshall decision.

The Government of Canada acknowledges that the implementation of the Marshall decision must be understood in a broad context. As the courts continue to tell us, we must deal with issues of Aboriginal and treaty rights in order to build a modern, respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in our country.

So, it has always been clear that we would have both short and long-term goals to pursue in the implementation of the Marshall decision, and that the roles of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and myself are interrelated.

Minister Dhaliwal has been facilitating the immediate participation of First Nations in the commercial fishery. A process has begun to improve the prosperity of First Nation communities in Atlantic Canada through the transfer of fishing licences over the past year. Hundreds of licences have been provided along with more than 100 vessels. In all, the federal government has invested $160 million in support of increased access to the fishery for First Nations.

These efforts are all interim measures, intended as a first step in implementing the Marshall decision. We know that there needs to be a broader process that will address First Nations concerns and aspirations in the future. As Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, I have communicated clearly to all First Nations on the East Coast that the federal government is committed to identifying long-term solutions to issues of Aboriginal and treaty rights. We are ready to proceed in this broader process now.

I have met with the Chiefs of the Atlantic Policy Congress on four occasions to discuss how we should proceed. Furthermore, my officials and I are in discussions with First Nations partners and provincial governments to explore ways in the Atlantic Region to work out sustainable solutions to outstanding Aboriginal issues, including Aboriginal and treaty rights.

Even as we discuss what a long-term process would look like, the Chiefs have requested that progress be made on urgent issues affecting the standard of living of their communities.

I am anxious to make progress. I want to get to the table for negotiations that will address the long-term aspirations of First Nations on the East Coast, including the full implementation of the Marshall decision. Through these long-term discussions about access to resources, we can make lasting change in the quality of life for First Nation communities on the East Coast. I look forward to hearing from the Chiefs there, and remain hopeful that this process can soon be put in place.

As the courts continue to tell us, ultimately it is through dialogue, with give and take on all sides, in good faith, that we will achieve the reconciliation of Aboriginal and treaty rights within Canadian society. We know that access to resources and building diversified First Nations economies can create jobs and attract investors, aiding the development of First Nation communities and the wider local economy. The Marshall decision reaffirms the importance of the goals outlined in Gathering Strength - Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan, which called for governments and Aboriginal people to work in partnership to identify opportunities that will help improve the lives of First Nations.

Yours sincerely,
Original signed by
a signé l'original
Robert D. Nault, P.C., M.P.