National Forum on First Nation Citizenship Resources
November 23 2011
The National Forum on First Nation Citizenship was hosted in Enoch, Alberta on November 15th and 16th, 2011 as a part of the Assembly of First Nations’ National Dialogue on First Nation Citizenship.
The documents and presentations posted below are resources that will provide you will an overview of Forum proceedings and issues discussed. Presentations are listed according to the session they were delivered in. A summary report is being developed and will be posted soon.
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PRESENTATIONS
REFLECTING ON REGIONAL PROCESSES
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations: Treaty Governance Office
(Dan Bellegarde, FSIN)
An update on the actions taken by FSIN to develop their own citizenship codes, including the engagement process, challenges they face, current status of citizenship code development across the FSIN and additional considerations for all First Nations.
Audio File (mp3)
INCLUSION & RECONNECTION
E-DBENDAAGZIJIG
(Jeanette Corbiere Lavell, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada)
Presentation on the Anishinabek Nation’s consultation processes on E-dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin (belonging to the nation) and the development of the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin draft constitution.
Audio File (mp3)
CONSIDERATIONS IN ASSUMING JURISDICTION
Nisga’a Citizenship: Negotiation, Implementation and Administration
(Kevin McKay, CEO Nisga’a Lisims Government)
Provides an overview of the Nisga’a citizenship act and constitution including reintroduction of traditional determinants of citizenship, exercising their inherent right to self-determination, the consultation process and addition of rules on non-Aboriginals becoming Nisga’a citizens.
Audio File (mp3)
FISCAL TRANSFERS & TOOLS FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING
New Fiscal Relationships
(Daniel Wilson, Independent Consultant)
Explores issues surrounding the current fiscal relationship between First Nations and the Federal Government of Canada. Examines recommendations made by the 1983 Penner Report, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People, the AFN National Think Tank on Fiscal Relations, and the 2006 Independent Blue Ribbon Panel on Grants & Contributions Programs. Recommends Canadian models that most closely adhere to recommendations and principles set out by the World Bank.
First Nations Statistical Institute
(Keith Conn & Hannes Edinger, FNSI)
Presentation on the role, mandate and examples of tools developed to date, including their Population Projection Model. For more information visit: www.fnsi-ispn.com.
Audio File (mp3)
CULTURE, GOVERNANCE & CONTINUITY
Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs
(Gwaans Beverly Clifton Percival, Lead Negotiator for Gitxsan First Nation)
Explains the basics of the Gitxsan governance system, important dates in contemporary history, the definition of a Gitxsan citizen, impacts on the Gitxsan population and challenges facing Gitxsan tradition and principles.
Audio File (mp3)
DEVELOPING LEGISLATION – IMPLEMENTING THE VISION
First Nation Membership/Citizenship Laws Outline and Suggestions
(David Nahwegahbow, Attorney)
Highlights considerations regarding the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Human Rights that must be accounted for when developing citizenship laws and outlines the major components that should be included in any First Nation citizenship code.
Audio File (mp3)
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The Treaty Four Justice System: Alternative Dispute Resolution Projects
(Dan Bellegarde, FSIN)
Information on the Treaty Four Proclamation and Convention, the mandate of the Treaty Four Governance Institute and the development of an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Explains the importance of having a mechanism based on traditional values and practices and provides an overview of the creation of Treaty Four Administrative Tribunal, its purpose and mandate.
Audio File (mp3)
MECHANISMS FOR RECOGNITION OF FIRST NATION GOVERNMENT JURISDICTION
Mechanisms for Recognition of First Nation Government Jurisdiction
(David Nahwegahbow, Attorney)
Presents the various existing legislation that acknowledges First Nation sovereignty, recommendations for Federal legislation on recognition of First Nation governance, the process for Self-Government Agreements and a recommendation on the best way to move forward.
Audio File (mp3)
LEARNING FROM U.S. EXPERIENCES
The Political Economy of U.S. Tribal Citizenship in the 20th Century: Lessons
(Kimberly TallBear, Professor of the University of California at Berkley)
Presentation on the increasing adoption of blood quantum as determination of Indian citizenship in the United States. Examines demographic trends and traditional determinants of citizenship and differentiates between racial and genealogical profiling.
Audio File (mp3)
ART WORKSHOP — Opening Dialogue on First Nation Identities & Nationhood through the Arts
A summary of the arts workshop facilitated by Christine Frederick, Wabgeshig Rice and Kelvin Redvers. Through the media of film, theatre, writing, and visual representations, participants were exposed to artistic tools that can be utilized to both explore and define who they are as both First Nations individuals and collective groups. Participants also gained insight into ways to express themselves effectively and portray others in order to foster understanding of and respect of differences amongst nations.
Audio File (mp3)
ACTION PLANNING — Tools to Support National, Regional, Treaty, Nation and Community-level Processes
A closing session where participants identified the path forward, both in terms of their bold ideas and the tools needed to proceed with re-establishing jurisdiction over citizenship.
Audio File (mp3)
