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Open Letter to Canadians for a New Partnership from Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini - Serpent

River First Nation




Dear CFNP:
Congratulations on your recent call for change.
Initially, I had some reservations regrinding the classification of being "Canadian" - I am Ojibway within
the Anishinabek Nation; this can never be nullified - my gift from the Creator is that of my Nationhood
Identity. To that end, please note that I cannot refer to myself as Canadian - but I do greatly appreciate the
need, gesture and effort toward change.
The Canadian socio-economic landscape today is fraught with a very deep confusion about who the
Indigenous Peoples are in relation to many fundamental aspects and elements within the context of Canada
and its jurisdictional authorities - frankly, this is the biggest challenge. You see, rights are clear and not
arguable - we were born with Sovereignty as granted by the Creator - we never gave it up, we were not
conquered, nor did the treaties sign it away. Our rights are intact. Formal institutions and legislation such as
the Indian Act are the reason why Canada cannot move beyond its moral quandary - racist legislation does
is not congruent with Canada's claim that it is a democratic society - remember, most Canadians don't know
that the Indian Act of Canada was in fact a template and example offered to South Africa as a model for
apartheid in the early 1900's. The Indian Act is a systematic legislative tool to deny "formal responsibility"
to First Nation people in Canada - responsibility is in fact what we must talk about in a "new partnership."
To that end, lets suggest that a simple definition of 'Jurisdiction' is 'formal responsibility,' and further, lets
also conclude this by affirming one common understanding - Our Responsibilities, are not Canada's
Rights!!!
CFNP - I support this process with a very important caveat; Inherent and Treaty Rights must be the
baseline and starting point for a new relationship and without question. Denying reconciliation and respect
for First Nation jurisdiction in this process cannot be accepted.
In supporting CFNP - I declare that a National Dialogue on Treaties in Canada is long overdue and make
the suggestion that as many jurisdictions in this country seek to enter into trade negotiations, make
approvals on development, set out significant policy and fiscal change - First Nation Jurisdiction must be
considered as a fundamental building block in a new path forward.
I look forward to receiving information, participating in discussions and having input to a National
Dialogue on what CFNP means in a modern treaty partnership paradigm
Considerate Regards,
Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini - Serpent River First Nation

http://www.cfnp.ca/declaration/

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