First Nations Governance Act
First Nations Governance Act | |
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Robert Nault | |
Status: Amended |
The First Nations Governance Act was a legislative initiative proposed by the
Indigenous peoples in Canada |
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The Act would have introduced a framework for First Nations to design new codes for elections, financial management, and administration. It would have also brought bands under the Canadian Human Rights Act.[1]
Nault's stated purpose in proposing the legislation was to make native reserves more democratic and accountable.[2] He said that his proposals represented an "interim step towards self-government" and were a response to demands by indigenous activists who opposed secrecy and corruption in their communities.[3] Nault also sought to have representatives of indigenous groups on the House of Commons committee that reviewed the bill.[4]
Several chiefs across the country opposed the act, arguing that Nault had not undertaken proper consultations.[5] Matthew Coon Come, then the leader of the Assembly of First Nations, argued that the legislation was grounded in the same paternalistic model as the Indian Act.[6] Margaret Swan of Manitoba's Southern Chiefs' Organization said that indigenous communities were not opposed to greater accountability and transparency, but added that Nault had made a serious error in bypassing the elected leadership of these communities.[7]
Nault acknowledged in late 2003 that the legislation would not pass.[8] In early 2004, Paul Martin formally announced that the legislation would be discarded.[9]
References
- ^ Thompson, Allan (15 June 2002). "Natives slam reform bill". Toronto Star. p. A14.
- ^ Taber, Jane (1 March 2001). "Nault seeks aboriginals' direct input in legislation". National Post. p. A01.
- ^ "Saskatchewan First Nations cool to new governance act proposed by Ottawa," 24 March 2001, 02:46; Rick Mofina, "126-year-old Indian Act 'gone' if legislation passes, minister says," National Post, 2 January 2002, A04.
- ^ Taber, Jane (1 March 2001). "Nault seeks aboriginals' direct input in legislation". National Post. p. A01.
- ^ Elliott, Louise (18 December 2001). "AFN-sponsored coalition asks chiefs to oppose First Nations Governance Act". Canadian Press.
- ^ Lunman, Kim (23 May 2002). "Coon Come urges natives to protest legislation". The Globe and Mail. p. A5.
- ^ Swan, Margaret (20 February 2002). "First nations seek simple solution". Winnipeg Free Press. p. A15.
- ^ Curry, Bill (11 October 2003). "Nault concedes Native Bill will die". National Post. p. A1.
- ^ Lunman, Kim (9 January 2004). "Martin scraps bill to change Indian Act after natives staged angry protests". The Globe and Mail. p. A8.