First Nations Voice

MARCH 2015 • PAGE 3 I t was great to have a sit down interview with Justin Trudeau earlier this month. Now he did not only meet with me but with other journalists representing various communities throughout the province. Before tongues start wagging and fingers start pointing, I am quite aware that an election will be called later this year but as a journalist for the First Nations Voice it falls on me to speak to the various party leaders when the opportunity presents itself. So, if any of the party leaders are reading this right now remember my door is always open or I will find the gas money to come and interview you. Who says you can't have a sense of humour in a column. And as we head into an election later this year, I will take the time to remind readers anywhere I am published of who I actually granted me an interview. Now back to Justin Trudeau before I run out of space. Question: I asked Trudeau what he thought of the Conservatives website petition asking for support for the First Nations Financial Transparency Act? Answer: "For them (Conservatives), it's all about politics. My concern with the First Nations Financial Transparency Act is not about transparency of First Nations," said Trudeau. "I've been very clear we need a federal government with more transparency of the government itself. We've learned over decades and centuries is that we can no longer impose legislation on First Nations or others. We need to craft legislation in cooperation and partnership with First Nations. The way this bill was brought forward was very similar to their (Conservatives) attacks, for example, their attack on unions. This was all about gaining political capital against an opponent like First Nations. That is absolutely unacceptable to me. Look I've said this is a bad piece of legislation. I want to work with First Nations people to see we have a good level of transparency." Trevor: As a follow up to that answer, I have made no bones in countless editorials and columns that I did not support the bill because it did not come from the First Nation peoples. I have said the legislation will not bring down chief and council salaries, will not affect elections or add any level of transparency and accountability. It's a fact that has not been lost on Thomas Flanagan, a former Harper advisor who wrote in a Globe & Mail column (First Nations transparency act: A good start Januray 16, 2015) that "sponsors of the FNFTA hoped that publication of salaries would lead to a reaction among band members, causing them to demand more economy in government, but thus far resistance to high salaries has surfaced in only a couple of instances." Lower salaries, accountability and transparency can only be achieved through the democratic process of First Nation peoples voting for candidates who will commit to those principles and it will not happen through legislation from an outside third party. Question: What are your thoughts on the way forward for First Nation peoples? Do you believe in revenue sharing of resource benefits as a way for First Nations to participate in the economy? Answer: "First of all, I believe in respecting the spirit and intent of the original treaties. And I see everyday this government isn't particularly interested in that by dragging out all the land claims negotiations and what have you. I think resource revenue sharing is the way we need to go. What model it will actually take will not just depend on First Nations and the federal government but the provinces as well because the resources do not belong to the federal government. The provinces have responsibility over natural resources according to our constitution. So, you have the federal government who has signed and is responsible for treaties signed with First Nations but the provinces have signed a constitution with the federal government that points out that resources are theirs to develop. That means there has to be a responsible three way conversation about how we're going to move forward. We're all in agreement on what we need to do and that is to develop the land in responsible ways and in ways that benefit peoples across this country. Giving them access to education, access to housing and the possibility to flourish in one's community and to celebrate one's identity. All these things are points that we agree on. We just have to figure and hammer out the details on how that is going to happen." Trevor: From one end of the country to the other, First Nations have been racking up legal victories. In fact, Bill Gallagher, a lawyer in the resources sector who also authored the book "Resource Rulers" in 2013, pointed out that with 150 court victories in the resource sectors that the need to adequately consult and accommodate First Nations is imperative for any government for resource projects to move ahead. Just look at the pipelines and Ring of Fire developments that are on hold right now. And the last time I interviewed Gallagher, the First Nations victory count was over 200. The most important decision being the Tsilhqot'in aboriginal title decision by the Supreme Court of Canada that recognized Aboriginal title to the land. For First Nations who have not signed a treaty that gives them incredible power in any decisions about resource development on their traditional territories. For First Nations who are signatories to the numbered treaties, the decision expands the boundaries of any claims well beyond the borders of the First Nation. I am not endorsing Trudeau or the Liberal Party. Come election day, like any other Canadian voting, I will base it upon who has talked to me and what's been said. My door is always open. By Trevor Greyeyes A siTdowN wiTh "The" JusTiN TrudeAu: ANd A room full of commuNiTy JourNAlisTs

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