Russell Diabo and Pam Palmater on the Canadian Government’s Suite of Bills Targeting First Nations

Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 from Indigenous Waves Radio Here

Indigenous Waves invited Russell Diabo and Pamela Palmater to discuss the numerous pieces of legislation coming from the Canadian Conservative Government that directly impact First Nations.

This informative talk outlines the problems with each of the bills, including the fact that there was little to no consultation with First Nations communities for these laws which specifically impact Indigenous lives.

The Bills being discussed are:

Bill C-27: First Nations Financial Transparency Act

Bill C-45: Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 [Omnibus Bill includes Indian Act amendments regarding voting on-reserve lands surrenders/designations]

Bill S-2: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act

Bill S-6: First Nations Elections Act

Bill S-8: Safe Drinking Water for First Nations

Bill C-428: Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act [Private Conservative MP’s Bill, but supported by Harper government]

Bill S-207: An Act to amend the Interpretation Act (non derogation of aboriginal and treaty rights)

Bill S-212: First Nations Self-Government Recognition Bill

Lawyer Pamela Palmater, (Mi’kmaq) is a member of Eel River Bar First Nation, Chair of the Centre of Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University and was a candidate for National Chief.

Russell Diabo (Kanienke’ha:ka) from Kahnawake is the Policy Advisor for the Algonquin Nation Secretariat & Wolf Lake First Nation, and is the Editor & Publisher at First Nations Strategic Bulletin.

This Show Originally Aired Monday December 3, 2012.

Open Letter to AFN