Nipissing hosts discussion on Aboriginal jurisdiction and relationships
Nipissing University recently hosted a discussion that brought panelists together to reflect on historical and contemporary relationships, issues surrounding jurisdiction and the impacts of jurisdiction on Aboriginal peoples and First Nations communities.
Speaking at the panel discussion were three key experts: Fred Bellefeuille, the Legal Council for the Union of Ontario Indians, Chief Marianna Couchie, Chief of Nipissing First Nation and Carolyn Bennett, Member of Parliament for St. Paul’s and the Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic.
Fred Bellefeuille strongly advocated for internal decision-making in First Nations, as it is crucial to sustainability.
“Jurisdiction is important because a nation that doesn’t have genuine decision making power over the allocation of resources is not sustainable,” said Bellefeuille. “That is the real problem.”
The panelists also discussed the treaty relationship and the Indian Act, and touched on the history of residential schools and reconciliation.
Chief Marianna Couchie emphasized the value in understanding and following through with treaties.
“At Nipissing, we are a nation,” said Chief Couchie. “We need to implement treaties properly, we need to get back to a treaty relationship.”
The panelists provided a context for understanding historical relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada as historical relationships impact Aboriginal peoples and communities today in real, lived ways.
There was also discussion surrounding the role of all Canadians - Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal - to take up the work that is reconciliation.
During the discussion, Bennett encouraged understanding and incorporation of Aboriginal beliefs to restore and embrace culture.
“There needs to be a basic understanding of what was here and what was good,” said Bennett. “The ways of knowing and the ways of doing that were replaced.”
The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives (OAI) hosted the panel discussion.
For those who were unable to attend, the discussion is live-streamed at: Jurisdiction and Relationships