First Nations women leaders issue strong statement at conclusion of historic meeting

    VANCOUVER, Feb. 14 /CNW Telbec/ - First Nations women chiefs and
councillors released an eleven point consensus statement today following the
conclusion of an historic three-day meeting in Vancouver. Critical issues such
as poverty, matrimonial real property, the central role of women in
sustainable communities, and First Nations jurisdiction were discussed and
debated.
    "The strength, knowledge, and capacity of our women leaders must be heard
and honoured by all First Nations, and all Canadians," said Assembly of First
Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine. "I guarantee that this consensus
statement will be taken very seriously and will be acted upon by the AFN."

    The following is the complete consensus statement:

    "First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors are mad as hell with Crown
government interference in our lives and we're not going to take it anymore.
For the first time in modern history, First Nation Women Chiefs and
Councillors, from all across Canada, gathered in unity at the Assembly of
First Nations National Forum for First Nation Women Chiefs ("Forum") in
Vancouver, British Columbia on February 12-14, 2007. First Nations Women
Chiefs and Councillors express their overwhelming concern and frustration with
the current situation facing First Nations communities, families and children.
    This Statement represents the unanimous voice of the Women Chiefs and
Councillors present at the Forum to address critical issues affecting our
Nations, families and our future to compel change and make progress.
    The following statements were adopted by the First Nation Women Chiefs
and Councillors:1. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors honor the spirit and intent
       of the original relationship between First Nations and the
       British Crown to live in peaceful co-existence, without interference,
       and to uphold the unceded Inherent authorities given to us by the
       Creator.

    2. First Nations in Canada are Nations with pre-existing collective
       rights, responsibilities, languages, cultures, territories and laws.

    3. We maintain our authority to be the law-makers and caretakers of our
       Nations, our families and our land. First Nation holistic laws will
       continue to guide our decision making in the face of any and all
       federal, provincial and territorial legislation. The Crown continues
       to breach this original compact and interfere with this Inherent
       jurisdiction, thereby creating and perpetuating poverty conditions
       amongst our peoples.

    4. Our collective Inherent and Treaty rights must not be diminished or
       adversely impacted in the development of federal, provincial and
       territorial law and policy.

    5. The First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors will stand with
       First Nations governments to advance a comprehensive plan for
       accountability of all governments, the protection of collective rights
       and to eradicate poverty and social injustice.

    6. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors will ensure that our lands,
       families and children are cared for; ensure that our rights are
       respected and upheld; and we will be responsible for the decisions
       that affect our lives. We will not relinquish our rights at the
       expense of our lands, families and future.

    7. Negotiations and consultations regarding any federal, provincial or
       territorial initiatives that impact pre-existing Inherent First Nation
       jurisdictions and Treaty rights must take place with leadership of
       First Nations governments.

    8. Solutions can be achieved locally, regionally, and nationally by
       working collectively. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors call
       upon the Government of Canada to work together with First Nations to
       co-create a new future for all our people.

    9. The cycle of poverty, violence, lack of access to quality health care
       and education, and the non-recognition of Inherent First Nations
       jurisdiction continue to be perpetuated in federal genocide and
       assimilationist policies and approaches.

    10. First Nation Women Chiefs and Councillors are united to oppose
        attempts by the federal government to unilaterally impose legislation
        and policy such as its initiatives currently reflected in the
        matrimonial real property process, and the repeal of section 67 of
        the Canadian Human Rights Act. These federal initiatives that
        diminish or adversely impact upon our unceded Inherent authorities
        will be rejected.

    11. We will accomplish this through collective action that supports
        systemic change. We will stand with the leadership of First Nation
        governments to advance a comprehensive plan for accountability of all
        governments; the protection of collective rights; and to eradicate
        poverty and social injustice in our communities."The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing
First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of
the National Chief, [phone] ext 243, [phone], [e-mail];
Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, [phone] ext 229, (613)
293-6106, [e-mail]