This means making the investments required to ensure clean water and lift all drinking water advisories for good by 2021, and supporting Indigenous-led water management training programs and water system operations as an immediate priority.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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New Democrats believe that it is past time for the federal government to step

up and fund the services and infrastructure that Indigenous communities need

to thrive – it is an important part of the responsibility that Canada owes to

Indigenous peoples given the deep and intergenerational impacts of colonialism.

This means making the investments required to ensure clean water and lift all

drinking water advisories for good by 2021, and supporting Indigenous-led

water management training programs and water system operations as an

immediate priority

Read less

We will build a treatment centre for residents affected by long-term mercury

exposure and compensate families affected by the inter-generational problem of

mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows.

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New Democrats will take immediate action to respect, support, and resource Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare systems, and will back this commitment with long-term, predictable funding guaranteed in legislation so that Indigenous peoples can exercise their jurisdiction and authority over matters involving their own children and families.

We also commit to ending discrimination against Indigenous children, young people, and families by fully implementing the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders, which ordered the Canadian government to stop chronically underfunding child welfare services on reserve, and working with the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society to implement the Spirit Bear Plan.

A New Democrat government will also fully implement Jordan’s Principle, working with the provinces and territories to end the delays and ensure equitable access to health services and educational supports for Indigenous children from coast to coast to coast.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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For generations, the Canadian government’s treatment of First Nations, Inuit,

and Métis children has been a national disgrace and an unspeakable tragedy. While

residential schools no longer operate, the intergenerational trauma caused by them

is felt every day. And despite the apologies from political leaders, the reality is that

systemic discrimination against Indigenous children continues today.

Indigenous children and young people have the right to culture, language and to

be raised in their own communities – all of which are vital to overall well-being. By

implementing the United Nations Declaration and the Truth and Reconciliation

Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, and supporting self-determination, New

Democrats will make sure that all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, young

people and families are treated with the respect and care that they deserve.

New Democrats will take immediate action to respect, support and resource

Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare systems, and will back this commitment

with long-term, predictable funding guaranteed in legislation so that Indigenous

peoples can exercise their jurisdiction and authority over matters involving their

own children and families.

We also commit to ending discrimination against Indigenous children, young people

and families by fully implementing the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders

which ordered the Canadian government to stop chronically underfunding child

welfare services on reserve, and working with the First Nations Child and Family

Caring Society to implement the Spirit Bear Plan.

A New Democrat government will also fully implement Jordan’s Principle,

working with the provinces and territories to end the delays and ensure

equitable access to health services and educational supports for Indigenous

children from coast to coast to coast.

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A New Democrat government will work in partnership with Indigenous

communities across the country to help protect and revitalize the incredible

diversity of Indigenous languages in Canada with new legislation and stable

funding. A New Democrat government will also work with communities and care providers

to ensure that Indigenous-led, culturally-appropriate home care and long-term care

is available for Elders, in their home communities and languages.

We will support Indigenous food sovereignty, and reform the Nutrition North

program to improve families’ access to food, including country and traditional food.

Read less

Implement the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as the recommendations from the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Work in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations to implement their agenda for the 2019 election.

Ensure that every First Nations, Métis and Inuit child has access to quality educational opportunities based on the expressed cultural, political and social priorities of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments, following meaningful consultation.

Support the development of Indigenous education curricula that are language and culture specific.

Increase access to post-secondary education for Indigenous youth by removing the two per cent funding cap, as well as fully funding the program backlog.

Support and sustain the transmission, proliferation, and regeneration of Indigenous cultural works and languages.

Educate non-Indigenous Canadians on the histories, customs, traditions and cultures of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples of Turtle Island.

From Election Platform 2019, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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In government, New Democrats will ensure that every child is provided a safe place to learn and an opportunity to succeed, whether on or off reserve. We will implement Shannen’s Dream of equitable access to education, backed by federal investments and infrastructure, so no student will be forced to learn in dangerous environments as we have witnessed in Kashechewan First Nation.

Recognizing that barriers to post-secondary education and training continue, we will support Indigenous youth and help them bridge the gap to post-secondary education through expanded financial assistance and increased educational opportunities for children who grew up in care, and distance education for rural and remote students.

And we believe that all Canadians should be aware of the contributions and history of Indigenous peoples and understand the legacy of residential schools. We will work with the provinces to establish Indigenous history education programs for all Canadians, based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 62 and 63 – and ensure that the development and implementation of these programs are led by Indigenous peoples.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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Young people in Indigenous communities haven’t had access to a quality education.

Successive governments have failed to provide core funding for on-reserve

education, failed to adequately support Indigenous post-secondary students and

failed to deliver a plan for how the government will bring all schools on reserve up

to provincial standards – despite Parliament committing to this when they passed

the Shannen’s Dream motion in 2012.

In government, New Democrats will ensure that every child is provided a safe

place to learn and an opportunity to succeed, whether on or off reserve. We will

implement Shannen’s Dream of equitable access to education, backed by federal

investments and infrastructure, so no student will be forced to learn in dangerous

environments, as we have witnessed in Kashechewan First Nation.

Recognizing that barriers to post-secondary education and training continue, we

will support Indigenous youth and help them bridge the gap to post-secondary

education through expanded financial assistance and increased educational

opportunities for children who grew up in care, and distance education for rural

and remote students.

And we believe that all Canadians should be aware of the contributions and history

of Indigenous peoples and understand the legacy of residential schools. We will

work with the provinces to establish Indigenous history education programs for

all Canadians, based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action

62 and 63 – and ensure that the development and implementation of these

programs are led by Indigenous peoples.

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Ensure that every First Nations, Métis and Inuit child has access to quality educational opportunities based on the expressed cultural, political and social priorities of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments, following meaningful consultation.

Support the development of Indigenous education curricula that are language and culture specific.

Increase access to post-secondary education for Indigenous youth by removing the two per cent funding cap, as well as fully funding the program backlog.

From Election Platform 2019, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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A new fiscal relationship means secure funding to support programs and services, and access to revenue streams to help close the socio-economic gap and support self-government.

Making sure that Indigenous communities thrive also means working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to expand economic opportunities and create good jobs in Indigenous communities all across the country.

A New Democrat government will work with Indigenous communities to encourage economic development and create good jobs through infrastructure investments and expanded access to broadband internet and cell service for rural and remote communities. We commit to working with Indigenous entrepreneurs to find solutions for accessing capital and scale up investing in Indigenous social enterprise projects and entrepreneurship.

Smaller Indigenous communities left behind by the current funding model need dedicated regional economic development support to help expand economic opportunities in a way that reflects the community’s social and cultural values.

A New Democrat government will also create a Northern Infrastructure Fund to fast-track investment and focus on improving much needed infrastructure like roads and broadband internet for communities in the North.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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Making sure that Indigenous communities thrive also means working in partnership

with Indigenous peoples to expand economic opportunities and create good jobs

in Indigenous communities all across the country.

A New Democrat government will work with Indigenous communities to encourage

economic development and create good jobs through infrastructure investments

and expanded access to broadband internet and cell service for rural and remote

communities. We commit to working with Indigenous entrepreneurs to find

solutions for accessing capital and scale up, investing in Indigenous social

enterprise projects and entrepreneurship.

Smaller Indigenous communities left behind by the current funding model need

dedicated regional economic development support to help expand economic

opportunities in a way that reflects the community’s social and cultural values.

A New Democrat government will also create a Northern Infrastructure Fund to

fast-track investment and focus on improving much-needed infrastructure like

roads and broadband internet for communities in the north.

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New Democrats will make sure that the federal government steps up to close the health gap in Indigenous communities, and supports Indigenous health self-determination. We recognize that healing the ongoing trauma caused by colonialism and residential schools will require long-term partnership and reliable, ongoing funding.

We will make sure that people can get the treatment they need in their community through investments in Indigenous health care infrastructure and diagnostic equipment. We will work in partnership with Indigenous communities to improve access to mental health and addiction treatment services – including an evidence-based action plan to prevent suicide, backed by dedicated federal resources, fully implementing the New Democrat motion on suicide prevention passed by the House of Commons.

A New Democrat government will also work with communities and care providers to ensure that Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate home care and long-term care is available for Elders, in their home communities and languages.

We will support Indigenous food sovereignty, and reform the Nutrition North program to improve families’ access to food, including country and traditional food.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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New Democrats will make sure that the federal government steps up to close

the health gap in Indigenous communities, and supports Indigenous health

self-determination. We recognize that healing the ongoing trauma caused by

colonialism and residential schools will require long-term partnership and

reliable, ongoing funding.

We will make sure that people can get the treatment they need in their community

through investments in Indigenous health care infrastructure and diagnostic

equipment. We will work in partnership with Indigenous communities to improve

access to mental health and addiction treatment services – including an

evidence-based action plan to prevent suicide, backed by dedicated federal

resources, fully implementing the New Democrat motion on suicide prevention

passed by the House of Commons.

Read less

Uphold Jordan’s Principle in full, ensuring Indigenous People receive the health care they need without being delayed by bureaucratic disagreements over jurisdiction.

Implement Calls to Action 18-24 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, improving health care for Indigenous Peoples.

Support First Nations, Métis and Inuit in (re)building traditional knowledge systems around healing and wellness, including the formal inclusion of traditional healing within mental wellness and home and community care programs. This process must be led by First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations.

From Election Platform 2019, retrieved 2019-09-22.

End drinking water and boil water advisories by investing and upgrading critical infrastructure to ensure safe water access in every community.

Prioritize high quality safe and affordable housing, particularly in the north, and ensure an equitable distribution of resources for energy efficiency retrofits.

Improve food security in northern communities by consulting with residents on Arctic farming, working with non-profit groups to build greenhouses or hydroponic towers and funding education programs in nutrition and horticulture.

Support health-care services that incorporate traditional practices and recognize the role of extended families and elders.

Together with First Ministers and Indigenous leaders, revisit the Blueprint on Aboriginal Health: A 10-Year Transformative Plan abandoned in 2006.

Devote sufficient resources for maternal and infant care, mental health services and treatment for diabetes and tuberculosis.

Sustain the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative to continue capacity building in the health care profession for Indigenous communities.

From Election Platform 2019, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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New Democrats will address the Indigenous housing crisis and put an end to chronic overcrowding and long wait lists by working with Indigenous communities to implement co-developed First Nations, Métis, and Inuit housing strategies. These innovative, ground-up strategies will mean sustainable and dedicated funding to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples, whether in urban, rural, or remote communities.

We believe that the federal government must immediately step up to tackle the mould crisis affecting tens of thousands of homes, and provide support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to ensure that their homes are safe and healthy. We will also ensure that Indigenous communities have the resources to make homes greener and more energy efficient, working to keep the benefits of good jobs, training, and investment close to home.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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Decades of failure by the federal government has resulted in a

devastating housing crisis for many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families.

The Liberal government has failed to help people, leaving communities with

long waiting lists for housing, and overcrowded, dilapidated homes. The mould

crisis continues to harm people’s health. And chronic overcrowding is hurting

people in Indigenous communities across the country. The Conservatives have

an even worse record from their time in government: they announced a fund for

25,000 homes, yet six years later, fewer than 100 homes had been built.

It’s time to end the housing crisis for good with safe and affordable housing

in every Indigenous community, on and off reserve.

New Democrats will address the Indigenous housing crisis and put an end to

chronic overcrowding and long-wait lists by working with Indigenous communities

to implement co-developed First Nations, Métis, and Inuit housing strategies.

These innovative, ground-up strategies will mean sustainable and dedicated

funding to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples, whether in urban, rural, or

remote communities.

We believe that the federal government must immediately step up to tackle the

mould crisis affecting tens of thousands of homes, and provide support for First

Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to ensure that their homes are safe and healthy.

We will also ensure that Indigenous communities have the resources to make

homes greener and more energy efficient, working to keep the benefits of good

jobs, training, and investment close to home

Read less

New Democrats will work with Indigenous peoples to co-develop a National Action Plan for Reconciliation, drawing directly from the Calls to Action and the Declaration to ensure that Canada’s laws, policies, and practices are consistent with Canada’s human rights commitments – including cultural rights, land rights, and rights to self-determination and self-government.

Through legislation, we will establish a National Council for Reconciliation to provide oversight and accountability for this process, reporting regularly to Parliament and Canadians.

A New Democrat government will replace mere consultation with a standard of free, prior, and informed consent for Indigenous communities affected by government policies – including for all decisions affecting constitutionally protected land rights, like energy project reviews. We are committed to good-faith, consent-based engagement and negotiations consistent with the Tsilhqot’in decision, an approach that honours Canada’s legal and constitutional obligations.

We will recognize and respect treaties, supporting Indigenous Nations who are building and re-building their governance structures.

We will also respect Inuit self-determination by co-developing the federal government’s Arctic Policy Framework through shared governance within the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, including through the adoption of an Inuit Nunangat policy in full partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. We will support the economic and social self-reliance of Inuit by addressing the massive infrastructure deficit in Northern communities.

New Democrats recognize Métis self-determination and in government, we will respect the path forward established by the Métis National Council and its governing members. We will pursue government-to-government negotiations on issues including self-government, education, housing, and health.

A New Democrat government will work in partnership with Indigenous communities across the country to help protect and revitalize the incredible diversity of Indigenous languages in Canada with new legislation and stable funding. In response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 80, we will establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to acknowledge the painful legacy of colonization, honour the Survivors of residential schools, and help communities across Canada commit to meaningful reconciliation.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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New Democrats are committed to undertaking

the important work of reconciliation in good faith,

and in true and equal partnership with Indigenous

communities across the country. We believe that

the Crown’s relationship to Indigenous peoples

must be based on an acknowledgement of our

country’s colonial history of cultural genocide

and stolen lands – and include legally binding

commitments to fair and equitable policies

going forward.

In partnership with Indigenous peoples, a New Democrat government will fully

implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

New Democrats will work with Indigenous peoples to co-develop a National

Action Plan for Reconciliation, drawing directly from the Calls to Action and the

Declaration to ensure that Canada’s laws, policies, and practices are consistent

with Canada’s human rights commitments – including cultural rights, land rights,

and rights to self-determination and self-government.

Through legislation, we will establish a National Council for Reconciliation to

provide oversight and accountability for this process, reporting regularly to

Parliament and Canadians.

A New Democrat government will replace mere consultation with a standard of

free, prior and informed consent for Indigenous communities affected by

government policies – including for all decisions affecting constitutionally

protected land rights, like energy project reviews. We are committed to good-faith,

consent-based engagement and negotiations consistent with the Tsilhqot’in

decision, an approach that honours Canada’s legal and constitutional obligations.

We will recognize and respect treaties, supporting Indigenous Nations who

are building and re-building their governance structures.

Read less

Introducing co-developed government legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the end of 2020.

Developing a framework for repatriating First Nations cultural property and ancestral remains.

Continuing to work with First Nations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice.

Supporting a First Nations-led processes for rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination and a transition away from the Indian Act.

Working with First Nations to redesign federal policies on additions-to-reserves, and the Specific Claims process to ensure timely and just resolution to specific claims.

Continuing to make progress on Indigenous priorities, meeting regularly through the Assembly of First Nations – Canada Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Priorities.

Hosting a First Ministers’ Meeting on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis priorities, and continuing to advance meaningful inclusion of First Nations partners in federal and intergovernmental decision-making processes that have an impact on Indigenous rights and interests.

From Forward, retrieved 2019-09-30.

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The Green Party recognizes the call by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) for Indigenous self-determination. The Green Party acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples have stewarded lands and waters in their traditional territories for centuries. A Green government will respect Indigenous sovereignty over self-defined and self-governed lands – whether First Nations, Métis or Inuit – and respect all rights that their title to land entails, including the right to stewardship. We respect Inuit sovereignty over Inuit Nunagat. We support the full implementation of treaties and other self-government agreements between Canada and Indigenous governments. A Green government will uphold and fulfill Canada’s responsibilities in all agreements with Indigenous Peoples.

A Green government will re-introduce legislation to enshrine UNDRIP in Canadian law and implement the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

The Green Party rejects the Indian Act as racist and oppressive legislation and is committed to dismantling the Act in full partnership and with First Nations taking the lead role in the process. The Indian Act uses race-based criteria to define who is and who is not an Indian and infringes on the right of First Nations people to define themselves. Greens will support Indigenous Peoples’ work and efforts towards self-determination to ensure no one is left behind or excluded from their rightful heritage. While dismantling the Indian Act will be a complex exercise in which Indigenous Peoples have the deciding role, we will establish processes for self-governing Indigenous Peoples and nations who choose to “opt out” of the Indian Act.

A Green government will welcome a genuine nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples in Canada that is truly grounded in the UNDRIP doctrine of free, prior and informed consent.

As described in the Democracy section, a Green government will create an inclusive policy and governance body – the Council of Canadian Governments. This will include Indigenous nations and peoples as equal partners with other levels of government in the development of shared national goals, and will be the vehicle for the revamped First Ministers’ meetings.

Greens endorse the comprehensive agenda prepared by the Assembly of First Nations for the 2019 election, covering a range of policy areas that address the inequities and mistreatment experienced by First Nations across Canada. These include measures relating to reconciliation, health, education, housing, climate change, environmental protection, justice, rights, economic development, infrastructure and skills training.

A Green government will pledge to work in good faith as partners with the AFN to achieve their agenda, only negotiating the priority allocation of funds in line with the Green Party’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. We will work with the Métis National Council and Congress of Aboriginal Peoples to meet the Supreme Court decision in Daniels with meaningful funding and action. We will respect and work with the Inuit through the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and respect their territory, covering one third of the land mass of Canada.

From Election Platform 2019, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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We will recognize and respect treaties, supporting Indigenous Nations who

are building and re-building their governance structures.

We will also respect Inuit self-determination by co-developing the federal

government’s Arctic Policy Framework through shared governance within the

Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, including through the adoption of an Inuit

Nunangat policy in full partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. We will support the

economic and social self-reliance of Inuit by addressing the massive infrastructure

deficit in Northern communities.

New Democrats recognize Métis self-determination and in government, we

will respect the path forward established by the Métis National Council and its

governing members. We will pursue government-to-government negotiations

on issues including self-government, education, housing, and health.

Read less

Formally repudiate the doctrine of terra nullius, the doctrine of discovery, and other doctrines of superiority.

With Indigenous leaders at the helm, establish processes for self-governing Indigenous Peoples and nations to transition out from under the Indian Act, grounding this in the doctrine of free, prior, and informed consent.

Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and reform all judicial, legislative, and executive branches of the federal government so that they are consistent with the Declaration.

Implement the recommendations of the 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

Affirm the inherent right of Indigenous communities to determine child and family services. Support kinship ties and ensure sufficient funding and resources so that families are kept together.

Include representatives from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments on the Council of Canadian Governments to improve policy coherence and optimize public spending with respect to higher order policy priorities

From Election Platform 2019, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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New Democrats will work in partnership with Indigenous women, the families of the missing and murdered, and communities to implement the Inquiry’s Calls for Justice and the calls to action brought forward by communities. This includes establishing a comprehensive, plan to address violence against Indigenous women,girls, and LGBTQI2S+ people — ensuring that all those fleeing violence have access to culturally appropriate programming, emergency shelters, and transitional housing.

We believe it’s wrong that Indigenous women and their children still do not have equal status rights — including the right to pass on the ability to qualify for Indian status registration. Successive Conservative and Liberal governments have failed to fix this gross inequality. New Democrats will act to ensure full gender equality for First Nations status as a matter of priority, consistent with Canadian and international court rulings.

New Democrats acknowledge that respect for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people must be made real by ensuring equitable access and self-determination over land, culture, language, housing, child care, income security, employment, education, and physical, mental, sexual, and spiritual health.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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The report from the National Inquiry must not sit on a shelf. New Democrats

will work in partnership with Indigenous women, the families of the missing and

murdered, and communities to implement the Inquiry’s Calls for Justice and the

calls to action brought forward by communities. This includes establishing a

comprehensive, plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and

LGBTQI2S+ people — ensuring that all those fleeing violence have access to

culturally appropriate programming, emergency shelters and transitional housing.

We believe it’s wrong that Indigenous women and their children still do not have

equal status rights — including the right to pass on the ability to qualify for Indian

status registration. Successive Conservative and Liberal governments have failed

to fix this gross inequality. New Democrats will act to ensure full gender equality

for First Nations status as a matter of priority, consistent with Canadian and

international court rulings.

New Democrats acknowledge that respect for Indigenous women, girls, and

Two-Spirit people must be made real by ensuring equitable access and

self-determination over land, culture, language, housing, child care, income

security, employment, education, and physical, mental, sexual, and spiritual health.

Read less

New Democrats believe that it is past time for the federal government to step

up and fund the services and infrastructure that Indigenous communities need

to thrive – it is an important part of the responsibility that Canada owes to

Indigenous peoples given the deep and intergenerational impacts of colonialism and this means funding on-reserve emergency management

and prevention, including firefighting training and equipment. It also means

ensuring safe public transportation by resuming and expanding rural and remote

bus routes and passenger rail service.

Strong communities are sustainable communities, and many Indigenous

communities have been at the forefront of the move towards renewable energy.

We will work with them to protect infrastructure from climate change and increase

the use of renewable energy. New Democrats will help expand community-owned

renewable energy projects – and support efforts to transition remote communities

away from polluting diesel and harmful fumes, towards reliable and clean

energy alternatives.

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New Democrats will put reconciliation at the core of this effort, upholding Indigenous knowledge and respecting inherent sovereignty. We recognize that as original peoples of this country, Indigenous peoples have intimate connections to their homelands, territories, and resources and have provided stewardship since time out of memory. Indigenous peoples are best placed to protect cultural and biological diversity through control over their territory – and so the recognition of inherent rights, title, and treaty rights will be at the heart of our approach to addressing climate change.

To make full and equal partnership the basis of Canada’s efforts, New Democrats will ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leadership have a seat at high-level decision making tables to help direct climate change efforts in Canada.

We will also expand the Indigenous Guardians Program, invest in Indigenous-led science, and support the creation of Indigenous-managed protected areas – and make sure that species recovery efforts respect Indigenous rights and embrace traditional knowledge to increase biodiversity.

Indigenous communities are not only stewards of their territories – they are also on the front lines dealing with the impacts of climate change every day. A New Democrat government will work jointly with Indigenous leadership and communities to develop coordinated action plans to respond to climate change emergencies like wildfires and floods. This work will be informed by Indigenous traditional and ecological knowledge and legal systems, and include improving existing infrastructure, developing new infrastructure, and supporting response efforts to keep people safe.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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The climate crisis is not just an environmental emergency. It also threatens

traditional food sources and the very survival of many Indigenous communities.

We have to move past the delays and inaction of past Liberal and Conservative

governments and take a fundamentally different approach to our future – one

that recognize a holistic definition of sustainability.

New Democrats will put reconciliation at the core of this effort, upholding

Indigenous knowledge and respecting inherent sovereignty. We recognize that as

original peoples of this country, Indigenous peoples have intimate connections to

their homelands, territories and resources and have provided stewardship since

time out of memory. Indigenous peoples are best placed to protect cultural and

biological diversity through control over their territory – and so the recognition

of inherent rights, title and treaty rights will be at the heart of our approach to

addressing climate change.

To make full and equal partnership the basis of Canada’s efforts, New Democrats

will ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leadership have a seat at high-level

decision-making tables to help direct climate change efforts in Canada.

We will also expand the Indigenous Guardians Program, invest in Indigenous-led

science and support the creation of Indigenous-managed protected areas – and

make sure that species recovery efforts respect Indigenous rights and embrace

traditional knowledge to increase biodiversity.

Indigenous communities are not only stewards of their territories – they are

also on the front lines dealing with the impacts of climate change every day.

New Democrat government will work jointly with Indigenous leadership and

communities to develop coordinated action plans to respond to climate change

emergencies like wildfires and floods. This work will be informed by Indigenous

traditional and ecological knowledge and legal systems, and include improving

existing infrastructure, developing new infrastructure, and supporting response

efforts to keep people safe.

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples need to be partners in the development of job

creation, employment training, and infrastructure investments that flow from federal

efforts to address climate change, ensuring that they are implemented in ways that

fit the needs and priorities of local communities.

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New Democrats believe government must work to end systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples in the justice system. In accordance with Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 30, 31, and 32, we will increase the discretion of judges during sentencing, ensure bail programs are culturally appropriate, bolster funding for community justice programs that focus on healing and restorative justice rather than incarceration, and uphold the use of Gladue principles in court proceedings.

We will work with Indigenous communities to enhance community safety and provide the necessary resources for Indigenous policing, while taking steps to end discriminatory policing practices like carding.

A New Democrat government will support the Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples that puts an end to costly and adversarial legal battles with Indigenous communities. We will also keep residential school Survivors at the heart of decisions around justice for their experiences, ensuring fair compensation for St. Anne’s residential school Survivors, Métis Survivors, and those who survived abuse in day schools.

From A New Deal for People, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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In partnership with Indigenous peoples, a New Democrat government will fully

implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

New Democrats will work with Indigenous peoples to co-develop a National

Action Plan for Reconciliation, drawing directly from the Calls to Action and the

Declaration to ensure that Canada’s laws, policies, and practices are consistent

with Canada’s human rights commitments – including cultural rights, land rights,

and rights to self-determination and self-government.

Through legislation, we will establish a National Council for Reconciliation to

provide oversight and accountability for this process, reporting regularly to

Parliament and Canadians.

 In response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 80,

we will establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to acknowledge

the painful legacy of colonization, honour the Survivors of residential schools,

and help communities across Canada commit to meaningful reconciliation.

New Democrats believe government must work to end systemic discrimination

against Indigenous peoples in the justice system. In accordance with Truth and

Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 30, 31, and 32, we will increase the

discretion of judges during sentencing, ensure bail programs are culturally

appropriate, bolster funding for community justice programs that focus on

healing and restorative justice rather than incarceration, and uphold the use

of Gladue principles in court proceedings.

We will work with Indigenous communities to enhance community safety and

provide the necessary resources for Indigenous policing, while taking steps to

end discriminatory policing practices like carding.

A New Democrat government will support the Directive on Civil Litigation Involving

Indigenous Peoples that puts an end to costly and adversarial legal battles with

Indigenous communities. We will also keep residential school Survivors at the heart

of decisions around justice for their experiences, ensuring fair compensation for

St. Anne’s residential school Survivors, Métis Survivors, and those who survived

abuse in day schools.

Read less

A New Democrat government will replace mere consultation with a standard of

free, prior and informed consent for Indigenous communities affected by

government policies – including for all decisions affecting constitutionally

protected land rights, like energy project reviews. We are committed to good-faith,

consent-based engagement and negotiations consistent with the Tsilhqot’in

decision, an approach that honours Canada’s legal and constitutional obligations.

We will recognize and respect treaties, supporting Indigenous Nations who

are building and re-building their governance structures.

Read less

Moving forward with a new co-developed, distinctions-based process for the ongoing review, maintenance, and enforcement of Canada’s treaty obligations between the Crown and Indigenous communities. This work will be supported by a new National Treaty Commissioner’s Office which will be designed and established with Indigenous partners.

Working with First Nations to redesign federal policies on additions-to-reserves, and the Specific Claims process to ensure timely and just resolution to specific claims.

From Forward, retrieved 2019-09-30.

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Uphold Canada’s fiduciary responsibility, fulfill Canada’s responsibilities in agreements, honour treaties, and respect all rights of Indigenous Peoples, including their inherent rights of self-government.

In partnership with Indigenous Peoples, work towards the creation of an Indigenous Lands and Treaties Tribunal Act to establish an independent body that will decide on specific claims, ensuring that treaty negotiations are conducted and financed fairly and that treaty negotiations and claims resolutions do not result in the extinguishment of aboriginal and treaty rights.

Immediately implement the lands claims agreements already negotiated and languishing for lack of funding, particularly for First Nations in the territories.

Ensure that negotiations of treaties and self-government are not based on the extinguishment of Indigenous title and rights, and on assimilation, but on reconciliation of rights and title, and that negotiations recognize the diversity of traditional self-governance.

Negotiate with Indigenous Peoples over primary hunting, fishing, trapping and logging rights on traditional lands, especially lands under federal jurisdiction, subject to standards of sustainable harvesting and traditional ecological knowledge.

From Election Platform 2019, retrieved 2019-09-22.

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