First Nations Voice

JANUARY 2016 • PAGE 3 It was one headline-making event after the other as the new Prime Minister made it clear to all Canadians that he was intent on prioritizing the native file for a host of reasons - so let's start with the front page headlines as they amplify the story: Nov 28 G&M - Climate policy helps path to pipelines: Carr Dec 05 G&M - Throne Speech signals 'real change' Dec 09 NP - Trudeau vows 'total renewal' of ties with First Nations Dec 16 G&M - PM promises blueprint for reconciliation, while heeding calls to action Dec 19 NP - Liberals halt First Nations sanctions Dec 21 NP - Big plan on campus: 'Indigenization' courses What an amazing climax to the rise of native empowerment. From Paris to Parliament to the Assembly of First Nations to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to Vancouver; every step of the way prioritized the Crown-Native relationship in a manner that Canadians had never witnessed before in our history. For example, here's how the Prime Minister responded in Vancouver when asked about his opposition to Northern Gateway: 'Public trust (in the regulatory process) is no longer assured and on this project it simply wasn't there. There needs to be social license with communities and partnering with First Nations. Projects have to be in the best interests of Canadians and future generations. The Great Bear Rainforest is no place for an oil pipeline, which was and continues to be my stated position. Social license is simply not available. That is why all the steps (that my government has just taken) on climate change, renewables, environmental stewardship, all fold into this equation.' Clearly, this is where natives fit in as resource rulers, because this Prime Minister implicitly understands the remarkable rise of native empowerment in the resources sector. Natives are the determinative factor as to whether projects can earn social license on the road to resources; backed up by the biggest winning streak in Canadian legal history, now approaching the 225 mark. Which is why the University of Winnipeg stands out as a national leader with a plan to show the way forward under the direction of Wab Kinew, VP Indigenous Affairs: "Whether or not you have indigenous blood, if you're here in Canada, some part of your identity has been formed by indigenous culture and people. Yet it hasn't always been included or celebrated". This quote by itself is an excellent definition of 'reconciliation'; making the main headline 'Big plan on campus' as important as all the other headlines that together signal a refreshing tone and change of course under the new Liberal government. Because if we have any hope of bringing on mines, hydropower, transmission lines, forestry and pipelines; then we as a country need to become properly educated along the lines of what the University of Winnipeg is setting out to accomplish with its Indigenization Program. It's an important and essential development. Moreover, it's something to 'celebrate'! UNIvERSITY of WINNIpEg 'STEpS Up' Bill Gallagher, commentary for First Nations Voice Strategist-lawyer-author: Resource Rulers: Fortune and Folly on Canada's Road to Resources W ith so many different Indigenous issues making the headlines this year and a few that flew under the radar, the First Nations Voice talked to more than a few Indigenous and non-Indigenous people about the Top Five Indigenous Stories of 2015. Here are the people and a few comments. Ryan Bruyere, MITT student advisor Bruyere is from Sakgeeng First Nation and works as a student advisor with the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. He had a hard time with the numerous Indigenous stories to choose from this year. 1. The final report released from the Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. 2. Bruyere cited the rise of Native politicians such as Robert-Falcon winning his federal riding against long time NDP politician Pat Martin. 3. The rise of female leadership. 4. The blueprint signing ceremony at the University of Manitoba. 5. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women's Inquiry called by the newly elected Liberal government. Mae Louise Campbell, Red River College Elder-in- residence Campbell, among many other duties, also serves as the Red River College's elder-in-residence. She also is a member of a grandmother's council. 1. Murdered and Missing Women's Inquiry. 2. Truth and Reconciliation Report. 3. The compassion and understanding from non- Indigenous allies. "I have said we can not do it alone without the understanding and support of non-Indigenous people." 4. Changes to child family services. 5. The blueprint for educational system. Adrienne Thomas, Brandon University Aboriginal student council president 1. TRC Report 2. Missing and Murdered Women's Inquiry 3. Blueprint 4. The Indigenous voter turnout in the last federal election. 5. The prime minister's commitment to Indigenous issues Trudeau made at the Assembly of First Nations gathering. Darren Courchene, University of Manitoba graduate student 1. Blueprint: "Getting all these institutions to work towards Indigenous excellence in both their faculty and student retention. It's finally coming to fruition. 2. TRC Report 3. The response to the Macleans article that cited Winnipeg as Canada's most racist city. 4. The Indigenous course requirement at the University of Winnipeg. "People have to understand our contributions to Canadian society as a whole." 5. The inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. By First Nations Voice staff ShARINg ThE Top fIvE INdIgENoUS SToRIES of 2015 Adrienne Thomas Ryan Bruyere Darren Courchene Mae Louise Campbell

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