We, the chiefs of the Innu First Nations of Essipit, Nutashkuan and Mashteuiatsh, would like to inform the next Prime Minister and the future members of the National Assembly that they will probably have the honor and the responsibility of ratifying the first modern treaty concluded with an Aboriginal nation since those of 1975 and 1978, signed with the Cree, Inuit and Naskapi nations. An appointment with history not to be missed!
The conclusion of a new generation treaty is certainly the strongest realization of the principles of nation-to-nation relations. A treaty is the confirmation of the rights of our First Nations and the removal of our dependence on the Indian Act. Entering into a treaty is also the achievement of lasting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. But it is also an extremely rare event; negotiating a treaty is a difficult, long and perilous exercise.
For the three communities forming the Regroupement Petapan, this is a commitment that goes back more than forty years. Over these years, we have lived through great periods of questioning, frustration and disenchantment. That said, after these years of persistence and resistance, we are happy to note that we are now approaching the culmination of what constitutes a real social project for our communities.
The conclusion of a treaty between Canada, Quebec and our three First Nations will most certainly mark the beginning of a new era of prosperity and development. Not only for our communities, but also for Quebec, particularly for the Côte-Nord and Saguenay–Lac Saint-Jean regions. One need only look at the benefits for the James Bay region following the James Bay Agreement (1975) and the Peace of the Braves (2002) to realize the importance of agreements of this magnitude with First Nations.
In the present case, the draft treaty that we are finishing negotiating has considerably more implications than these two agreements put together. Now or never ? The draft treaty has reached its final stage, and almost all of the major issues concerning the federal order have been resolved. However, with Quebec, there remain certain crucial elements that are still blocked at the negotiating table. These files will be settled only when the required attention is given to them by the highest political authority in Quebec, as was the case when the Peace of the Braves was finalized, with the direct involvement of the Premier.
It is high time to settle the last pitfalls and finally complete this treaty in time for March 31, 2023. Why this date? Because it is the anniversary date of the signing of the General Agreement in Principle concluded in 2004, nearly 20 years ago (the text dates from 2002). But beyond the symbolism attached to the date of next March 31, there is above all an irrepressible impatience on the part of our First Nations to see this negotiation succeed.
From 1er April 2023, a new stage leading us towards the implementation of the treaty must begin. Alternative solutions are not viable, neither for us nor for Quebec and its regions. If the historic appointment is missed, we will be forced to return to other methods of asserting and defending our rights. In this perspective, which we do not want, the risk of ending up in court or of having to take unilateral assertive action to assert our rights is very real.
We always consider that the signing in honor of a treaty constitutes the best means of reconciling our destinies and our respective interests. For Canada and Quebec, this is the strongest response to give to the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the finest example to give in terms of respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples on the international scene. We therefore challenge all parties and call on them to take part in this innovative reconciliation formula. It’s up to you to accept this invitation with history.
Tshinashkumitinau, niaut, iamé. (Thank you, goodbye, see you soon.)