Bill C-45 met with opposition

First Nations leaders across the province have expressed opposition to the passage of Bill C-45, which occurred Dec. 14. Along with numerous Idle No More rallies and roadblocks held throughout the month of December and across the province, statements were issued by the leaders. Referring to the bill as an “undemocratic and racist piece of legislation,” Athabasca Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam said in a news release, “We have seen the erosion of our people’s Treaty rights throughout various forms of legislation in the past, but this bill is proof the government holds little stock in our rights and title and is attempting to create more loop holes for industry to continue annihilating our lands.” The Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations also issued a statement saying it does “not recognize laws and enactments of the Government of Canada, including but not limited to Bill C-45.” Mikisew Cree Chief Steve Courtoreille echoed those comments in another statement opposing Bill C-45, stating, “We will never recognize any law which is passed by the Government of Canada which does not have our consent and any such law will not apply on our reserve lands and traditional territories.” First Nations leaders have also thrown their support behind Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, who began a hunger strike on Dec. 10 to push her belief that the federal government must fulfill the promise of treaty and inherent rights for First Nations. A rally was held at the Alberta Legislature on Dec. 30 to support Spence. Spence says she will end her hunger strike if the Harper government commits to taking action to implement treaty rights and inherent rights.