Onion Lake Cree Nation has issued a cease-and-desist notice to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), stating the organization does not have the authority to represent, negotiate for or provide consent on behalf of the Nation regarding the Oct. 26 First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting in Ottawa.
The Treaty 6 Nation also announced it would join grassroots chiefs, leaders, Elders and Clan Mothers participating in a National Day of Action in Ottawa on Oct. 26. Organizers say the gathering is intended to call for respect for the independence, authority and inherent jurisdiction of individual First Nations and Treaty Nations. Participants planned to gather outside the meeting venue on Sussex Drive before delegations arrived and remain there throughout the day.
According to the Nation, it is not a member of the AFN after citizens voted in a community referendum to withdraw from the organization. Leaders say that decision should be respected.
“We are an independent Treaty 6 Nation with our own leadership and a direct Treaty relationship with the Crown,” said Pete Chief, Chief of Onion Lake Cree Nation. He said no organization has authority to speak or provide consent on behalf of the Nation.
The Nation requested written confirmation from the AFN by Oct. 23 that it would comply with the notice. The document states Onion Lake may consider legal options if the AFN attempts to act on its behalf despite the demand.
Concerns
The planned day of action will also highlight opposition to the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act and the Building Canada Strong Act. Onion Lake leaders say they have concerns about how federal legislation affecting First Nations rights, lands and resources is advanced and whether Treaty Nations have meaningful opportunities to participate directly in decisions.
“We respect the choices of Nations that participate through the AFN, and we expect equal respect for our decision to follow our own path,” said Pete Chief. “The October 26 gathering is about ensuring that the voices and authority of independent Treaty Nations are not overlooked.”
Onion Lake Cree Nation is located along the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and describes itself as an independent Treaty 6 Nation committed to protecting its Treaty, constitutional and inherent rights.
