AMC expresses concern over the Protocol Agreement between the Assembly of First Nations and Indigenous Services Canada
July 8, 2020
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is expressing concern over the protocol agreement between the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Indigenous Service Canada (ISC) intended to facilitate implementation of Bill C-92, and the coercive pressure it creates for First Nations to opt into Bill C-92, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Children, Youth and Families.
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated, “This protocol agreement in support of a pan-Indigenous piece of legislation has the potential to do further damage to First Nations inherent and constitutional rights across this country; moreover, it has the potential to further undermine the special relationship established through Treaty between sovereigns, pre and post confederation.”
“The AMC was not notified or given any warning that a possible threat to our rights was imminent by the signing of this agreement. This is more than concerning, given the unique needs of First Nations in Manitoba and the region as a whole for ground zero for First Nations child welfare apprehensions. The oppressive provincial child welfare policies have made Manitoba the world leader for Indigenous child welfare apprehension; and it’s unacceptable and disrespectable that we only heard about this signing through the media. We stand with the AFN Executive members who abstained or voted against the signing of this agreement,” continued Grand Chief Arlen Dumas.