Bill C-5: The One Canadian Economy Act

Bill C-5 has been forced through the House of Commons without adequate consultation and discussion with First Nations and is in violation Canada’s UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and constitutional obligations. Bill C-5 gives the government extraordinary powers to approve major projects without consultation.

The Prime Minister met with Chiefs to discuss the bill July 16-17, but there remain many questions. First Nations youth in particular are organizing around the bill, and were in fact blocked from the meeting by the RCMP. The Chiefs of Ontario have made clear that summits such as this “cannot replace formal, nation-to-nation processes required by law and the honour of the Crown.” Chief Archie Wabasse of Wunnumin Lake First Nation stated that “if reconciliation is real, then laws like this cannot stand. If consultation is sincere, then it must start when the idea is forming, not when the ink has dried. And if Canada truly respects our treaties, it must sit with us not only in ceremony, but in Parliament, in legislation, and in decision-making.” Nine Ontario First Nations have issued a legal challenge to Bill C-5 and Ontario Bill 5. You can follow this ongoing story at APTN News.

[Image credit: Joni Shawana]

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Online Event: August 8

The United Nations marks International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples each year on August 9. This year’s theme is “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.” There will be a virtual commemoration on August 8 (note the date) from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Eastern. For more information on the program and how to connect, please visit the IDWIP website.

[Image credit: Tamati Smith/Canva]

Justice and Reconciliation Fund Deadline: September 15

The United Church’s Justice and Reconciliation Fund supports projects initiated by regions, communities of faith, and theological education centres that foster dialogue, reconciliation, and relationship-building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Applications for the next round of grants (up to a maximum of $10,000.00) are due September 15. For more detailed information, please see the fund’s website.

Orange Shirt Sunday: 28 September

On September 30, wear an orange shirt to say that Every Child Matters. And on September 28, mark Orange Shirt Sunday in your community of faith.

This year in particular we ask you to honour the children with a gift or special offering to the Healing Fund, which supports initiatives for survivors of the residential school system and its ongoing intergenerational impacts.

On September 30, we also invite you to join in the Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event on Parliament Hill. This 90-minute program is a united effort of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Algonquin Nation, APTN, and CBC/Radio-Canada. It begins at 3:00 p.m. ET and all are welcome. Not near Ottawa? It will also be broadcast live on APTN and on YouTube.

[Image credit:Trenton United Church]