Accomplishments of the Harper-aboriginal chiefs meeting

From iPolitics:

Agreed

• Commitment to a high-level process on treaty implementation.

• Commitment to speed up resolutions of land claims and affirmation of inherent rights.

• Designate decision-makers within the Privy Council Office to specifically oversee the Crown-First Nation relationship.

Much consensus

• Harper agreed talks on resource equity should be part of the high-level process on treaty implementation, but also need to include provinces.

• Make funding for First Nations sustainable, in line with growth of the population. Harper agreed this would be part of the treaty and comprehensive land claims discussions.

• Guarantee schools for every First Nation. Harper agreed education is important but didn’t make firm commitments.

Some consensus

• All legislation needs to be compatible with indigenous rights, and the parts of Harper’s budget omnibus bills that contravene aboriginal rights need to be repealed. Harper agreed the government has a duty to consult with First Nations, but will not repeal the omnibus bills.

Disagreed

• Set up a public commission to focus on murdered and missing aboriginal women.