Treaty 2 Territory – We stand with other Nations throughout Turtle Island in exercising and asserting our rights when dealing with Canada through the exploratory discussions under the RIRSD (Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination) process. FNT2T, continues to hold Canada accountable with land restitution, unfinished treaty business and getting out of the illegal genocidal Indian Act one step at a time for our Local Nations and FNT2T government.
“We empowered our Anishinaabe Nation to put forth the expectation that any dealings with Canada will not be subject to a narrowed vision of jurisdiction over our homelands, self-determination, control over our resources and protection of our Nations peoples and interests” – Grand Chief Eugene Eastman, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi Anishinaabe Nation.
It is through our governing authority as a Nation that we sit with Canada and explore mechanisms such as the Term Sheet. Accordingly, the Term Sheet sets out a framework that will form the basis for both the Government of First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory (FNT2T) and the Government of Canada, to seek respective mandates to negotiate agreements for each section matter reflective of the obligations as a renewed Treaty-based relationship begins.
FNT2T remains mindful of Canada’s 2019 Ministerial Mandate letters, which states that “Canada will continue the work to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples. This includes continuing to modernize our institutional structure and governance so that First Nations can build capacity that supports implementation of their vision of self-determination.”
This Term Sheet, including the discussions leading up to its creation and its implementation, shall not be construed as an admission of fact or liability and is without prejudice to any legal positions which have been or may be taken by any Party in any court proceeding or any other forum.
The Parties acknowledge that some agreements may require the participation of other levels of governments, such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Canada’s obligation to engage each Province will not stop or desolation the momentum of getting back to the original form of Anishinaabe governing.
As the momentum builds, meetings with Canada that were once monthly meetings are now replaced with weekly meetings and sub-table development. FNT2T will continue to call on Canada to fulfill commitments outlined in our Treaty in accordance with the spirit and intent of these relationships. We want to ensure that there are no shortcomings in our sacred duties, obligations and relationships with Kidaakiiminaan.
Last modified: September 28, 2020
