Nations Afn: Perry Bellegarde and Province-Like Powers

nations afn: Bellegarde said there have been attempts to sideline and segregate the AFN from participation in intergovernmental tables, and limit and marginalize Indigenous involvement, according to CBC. We are not just another special interest group. Assembly of First Nations AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and M tis National Council President Cl ment Chartier told reporters in Toronto that the current format subjugates Indigenous issues, because they cannot participate in meetings as full members of the Council of the Federation with province-like powers to be at the table for all talks. An effective process for intergovernmental participation must reflect our status under the Constitution and international law as peoples and nations with inherent rights, title and jurisdiction, Bellegarde said. Bellegarde said there have been efforts by some provincial governments to block Indigenous groups from participating fully in climate change discussions, and health-care talks, for example. First Nations will not accept an exclusionary and disrespectful approach. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.