Declaration of First Nations
The Declaration of First Nations is a pivotal document that articulates the sovereignty and rights of Aboriginal Canadians within the context of Canada’s constitutional framework. Issued in 1981, the declaration emerged amid a growing movement for political recognition and was intended to influence ongoing constitutional reforms. It underscores the assertion of Aboriginal peoples as distinct nations, advocating for their right to self-governance and the acknowledgment of their cultural identities. This document was a response to historical marginalization, particularly as the term "founding nations" in Canada has often been limited to the French and English, excluding Indigenous perspectives.
The Declaration played a significant role in the transformation of the National Indian Brotherhood into the Assembly of First Nations, reflecting an evolution in Indigenous political organization and advocacy. As a result, the efforts of Aboriginal groups contributed to the inclusion of language that recognized "existing aboriginal and treaty rights" in the Constitution Act of 1982. The ongoing dialogue around the Declaration highlights the complexities of multiculturalism in Canada and the need for inclusive recognition of all founding nations, including Indigenous peoples. Overall, the Declaration of First Nations represents a crucial step in the pursuit of justice and equality for Aboriginal communities in Canada.
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Declaration of First Nations
Canadians generally regard their country’s multiethnic heritage with pride. Multiculturalism is applauded in a variety of ways, but special recognition is accorded to the “founding nations” of Canada. Unfortunately for Native Canadians, the term “founding nation” is usually reserved for only two groups—the French and the English.
Public and government recognition that Aboriginal Canadians (Canadian Indians) as a group had suffered economically, socially, and educationally became widespread in the 1960s. In order to engage Aboriginal Canadians in a dialogue regarding the issues that most affected them, the federal government encouraged the development of both regional and national native political organizations. The National Indian Council, which was formed in 1961, represented treaty Indians, non-treaty Indians, non-status Indians, and Metis. In 1968 this group divided into the Canadian Metis Society, representing Metis and non-status Indians, and the National Indian Brotherhood as the organization of Status Indians (both treaty and non-treaty).
Politicization grew, particularly following introduction by the government of its White Paper on Indian Affairs in 1969. In 1975, the various Dene bands sought Canadian recognition of the Subarctic Athapaskans as a distinct nation. The National Indian Brotherhood became highly involved in Canadian constitutional reform. The Declaration of First Nations, issued in 1981, was a concise statement of native sovereignty meant to influence the constitutional reform process. Following the Declaration of First Nations, the National Indian Brotherhood was dissolved and reconstituted as the Assembly of First Nations. They were ultimately successful in inserting language that affirmed “existing aboriginal and treaty rights,” though these were not explicitly defined, into the Constitution Act of 1982.
Natives have continued to pursue the recognition of their cultures as distinct societies and as “founding nations” of Canada by defeating the Meech Lake Accord and by working for a form of native self-government apart from the provinces and the federal government.
Bibliography
“First Nations.” Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Government of Canada, 7 Apr. 2015. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.
Muckle, Robert James. The First Nations of British Columbia: An Anthropological Overview. Vancouver: UBC P, 2014. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 16 Apr. 2015.
Napoleon, Val, and Catherine E. Bell. First Nations Cultural heritage and Law: Case Studies, Voices, and Perspectives. Vancouver: UBC P, 2008. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 16 Apr. 2015.
Paterson, Robert K., and Catherine E. Bell. Protection of First Nations Cultural Heritage: Laws, Policy, and Reform. Vancouver: UBC P, 2009. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 16 Apr. 2015.
Poliandri, Simone. First Nations, Identity, and Reserve Life: The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia. Lincoln: U of Nebraska P, 2011. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 16 Apr. 2015.