Response to The Creation of the Department of Indigenous Services and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs through Bill C-97
April 29, 2019
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
April 25, 2019
Dear Minister O’Regan and Minister Bennett,
Re: The Creation of the Department of Indigenous Services and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs through Bill C-97
I write you to express concern regarding the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs through Bill C-97, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 19, 2019 and other measures.
Recall my various correspondences to your offices sought to ensure that Canada involves Manitoba First Nations in how Canada deals with First Nations including the transforming of INAC and FNIHB to DISC and CIRNA:
- June 14, 2018 Involving Manitoba First Nations and the AMC in Activities of Regional Federal Departments: the AMC sought to involve Manitoba First Nations in the amalgamation of the regional First Nations and Inuit Health Branch within the regional office of Indigenous Services. In response, Minister Bennett indicated that the Manitoba Region has committed to funding to table items on transformation, and is committed to continuing to work with the AMC over the coming months to address transformation.
- November 28, 2018 Indigenous Rights Framework that called on Canada to stop work in its Indigenous Rights Framework, and identified issues with the pan-Indigenous approach and requirement to have Manitoba First Nations who seek to have 10 years grant sign onto the First Nations Financial Management Board.
That said, the AMC has become aware that there has not been any meaningful consultation with Manitoba First Nations on the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs through Bill C-97.