To effectively meet the needs, aspirations, our responsibility to land and resources as a nation we need a strong foundation of governance that is based on traditional values, Hawiih, elders, community, membership and effective decision making. How do we best meet the needs/concerns of the people? How do we truly represent the community/nation/membership? We live in a world where our lives, lands and resources are directed by colonial government, corporate and industry interests. How do we as a nation ensure that we uphold our traditional values and our roles and responsibility towards stewardship of our territory? All the while meeting the needs and concerns of the people to develop a clear direction/vision that is community & nation driven. First Nations Title & Rights, Ahousaht Nation Fisheries case legal victory where the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) recognizes our right that we are a fishing people, that are dependent upon our sea resources for food and our economy. The Tsilhqotin aboriginal title decision where SCC ruling acknowledges First Nations Title & Rights beyond the Indian Act Reserve system but upon crown lands, where FN must be consulted, accommodated and give consent upon any activity that impacts our territory. First Nations upon unceded, unsurrendered, non-treaty lands have jurisdiction before, Canadian citizens, government, industry can come to the table. Nearly 200 SCC decision in favor of First Nations have been handed down, what we as Ahousaht Nation do with this is what will make the difference towards developing our nation, governance, direction and vision. As a nation we need to begin with communication, meetings, gathering of all information by means of a census/survey and past work done, so as we have a broad view of what our demographic is, what our needs, concerns are be it governance, health, education, economic development, community safety and how we can go about meeting the needs and aspirations of our nation.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 01:57:03 +0000
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