Resolution No. 2010-09-18
Political Protocol with Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)
WHEREAS a draft Political Protocol between Mushkegowuk Council and Nishnawbe Aski Nation was developed in 2006, and
WHEREAS the draft Political Protocol was not completed or endorsed at that time;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this Mamohitowin of the Omushkegowuk endorses the draft Political Protocol of 2006 and directs the Office of the Grand Chief to present the draft to Nishnawbe Aski Nation, make adjustments as necessary and work with the Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs to implement the Political Protocol before the next Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs Assembly.
POLITICAL PROTOCOL-MUSHKEGOWUK COUNCIL & NISHNAWBE ASKI NATION (NAN)
WHEREAS originally founded to represent the collective of the Mushkegowuk First Nation located along the western coast of Hudson and James Bay, the Mushkegowuk Council represents the unified collective of the Mushkegowuk First Nations within Mushkegowuk Territory.
WHEREAS the Mushkegowuk territory encompasses the traditional territories of the seven (7) First Nations who form the Mushkegowuk Council, the general area encompasses the traditional territory of Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, and Moose Cree First Nations located on the west of James Bay area, and south to include the traditional territories of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation and Missanabie Cree First Nation.
WHEREAS the Mushkegowuk First Nations are comprised of more than 10,000 people and the languages spoken include Omushkego Cree.
WHEREAS the leadership of the Mushkegowuk Council, the Grand Chief and Chief of the First Nations, have an inherent responsibility, obligation and right to represent, advocate and defend the unique interests and rights of the Mushkegowuk First Nations, and the members of its collective, to all levels .of government for, including but not I.imited to, local and regional political aspirations, socio-economic, educational and resource development interests with the aim of improvements to the standards and quality of life and achievement and implementation of self-determination.
WHEREAS the needs, priorities and quality of life of the Mushkegowuk Council's members differ significantly from their First Nation and non-First Nation neighbours to the north, south, east and west.
WHEREAS Mushkegowuk communities are isolated and remote, the cost of living great, access to services and input into government initiatives difficult, and access to financial, human and other resources severely limited.
WHEREAS the majority of Mushkegowuk communities, of signatories to Treaty 9, became signatories to Treaty 9 by the adhesion of 1929.
WHEREAS the unique circumstances of the Mushkegowuk First Nations create a reality known only to those who are members of our collective, no decisions affecting the rights or day to day administrative program funding or services, shall be made by anyone other than those affected by such decisions and chosen to represent such interests i.e. Mushkegowuk Chiefs in Assembly.
WHEREAS the Mushkegowuk First Nations Chiefs and Grand Chief can direct the leadership of Nishnawbe Aski Nation in it decision making and representation of issues; Mushkegowuk leadership remain the primary and sole decision makers and authority for issues affecting its membership.
WHEREAS the Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief are elected by the community members of the Mushkegowuk Council's member First Nations; any universal vote considered and/or implemented by Nishnawbe Aski Nation shall be of no force and effect in the Mushkegowuk First Nations.
WHEREAS the Mushkegowuk Nation Building Process takes precedence over any self-government negotiation process initiated by Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
WHEREAS Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a conjunction established under Canadian law to represent Treaty 5 & 9 Nishnawbe Aski Nation is not a Nation.
WHEREAS the election of the Executive or Nishnawbe Aski Nation, by its affiliate members, cannot be construed as a leadership selection process resulting in the election of official spokesperson for its member First Nations, Mushkegowuk First Nations, in particular.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT we agree that a political protocol is hereby established with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Mushkegowuk Council concerning the requirements of political representation, consultation, and administrative matters for an equitable and fair representation and involvement of the First Nation members of Mushkegowuk Council as follows:
The first order of political representation in Mushkegowuk First Nation territory is the Chief of each First Nation who may delegate specific issues to other representatives including the Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief of Mushkegowuk Council.
Mushkegowuk Council is autonomous and only the Grand Chief may speak on issues mandated by the Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs on behalf of its First Nation members with all levels of government on all matters.
3, Any funding allocated in Ontario, by government or the private sector, for the Mushkegowuk First Nations shall be received by Mushkegowuk Council for fair and equitable distribution to it member First Nations and must include a northern allowance due to geographic remoteness.
Representation at all Nishnawbe Aski Nation Conferences, Assemblies and other forums will require 50% + 1 of the Mushkegowuk Chiefs to be present and voting in favour of any resolution of motion otherwise any resolutions or motions affecting Mushkegowuk traditional territory will be deemed null and void.
This protocol will be reviewed annually.
The Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation will provide a status report to the Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs in Assembly on issues affecting the Mushkegowuk Nation and/or the territory of the Mushkegowuk Nation at minimum of one every 6 months or as often as requested.
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