NAN Congratulates Prime Minister Carney, Looks to Federal Treaty Partner to Honour Treaties

THUNDER BAY, ON:  Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, extends congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney and looks to his government to honour and uphold our Treaties and advance the priorities of NAN First Nations:

“On behalf of Nishnawbe Aski Nation I congratulate Prime Minister Carney for securing this mandate to form the next federal government. We look forward to working with him and look for a strong commitment from his Cabinet to prioritize relationships with Indigenous peoples.

We have made progress over the past decade, but much work remains to be done. Our leaders have high expectations that this government will continue to advance the priorities of our communities, honour our Treaties, and respect our Aboriginal and inherent rights.

Economic concerns were front-and-centre during this election, and there has been a lot of talk about increasing access to NAN territory for minerals and other resources. Our Nations are not against development, but the Canadian economy cannot be strengthened without engaging First Nations as true partners.

Our Nations will not tolerate unwanted intrusions into their territories. They are looking to this new government to acknowledge their stewardship over their traditional territories and support their rightful authority and jurisdiction over their homelands.

Last night the Prime Minister warned that America wants our land, our resources, our water, and that President Trump is trying to own Canada. That’s how our Nations feel about Canada’s settler governments.

This is a critical moment for our federal Treaty partner to fully commit to our shared future through respect, recognition, and reconciliation. Our leaders need to hear that the Prime Minister accepts this responsibility and is prepared to move forward in a good way.”

NAN congratulates elected MPs across NAN territory including Patty Hajdu (Thunder Bay-Superior North), Marcus Powlowski (Thunder Bay-Rainy River), Eric Melillo (Kenora-Kiiwetinoong), Gaétan Malette (Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk), Jim Belanger (Sudbury East-Manitoulin-Nickel Belt), Pauline Rochefort (Nipissing-Timiskaming), and Terry Sheehan (Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma).

NAN also acknowledges former NAN Grand Chief Charles Fox and community leader Tania Cameron who ran in the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong riding.  

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca