Latest news with #FederationofSovereignIndigenousNations
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Indigenous leaders again left out of first ministers meeting as tensions grow
OTTAWA - The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is warning the provinces and Ottawa it 'may not end well' if they make decisions about major infrastructure projects at the upcoming first ministers meeting without First Nations involvement. First Nations leaders in Ontario, meanwhile, have a rally planned for Monday at Queen's Park to protest the provincial government's controversial Bill 5, legislation meant to speed up development. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says the lack of First Nations representation at the first ministers' table is 'very disrespectful.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The Assembly of First Nations has long called for its inclusion at first ministers meetings but has only been able to secure secondary meetings with prime ministers ahead of the official meetings. Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief David Pratt says governments should 'smarten up' and warns that it's 'not good business to offend and disrespect us so that we have to blockade.' He says governments should view First Nations as 'equal partners around the table,' adding that if First Nations were in decision-making positions and proposed developments in their cities, 'MPs would be up in arms.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Indigenous leaders again left out of first ministers meeting as tensions grow
OTTAWA – The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is warning the provinces and Ottawa it 'may not end well' if they make decisions about major infrastructure projects at the upcoming first ministers meeting without First Nations involvement. First Nations leaders in Ontario, meanwhile, have a rally planned for Monday at Queen's Park to protest the provincial government's controversial Bill 5, legislation meant to speed up development. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says the lack of First Nations representation at the first ministers' table is 'very disrespectful.' The Assembly of First Nations has long called for its inclusion at first ministers meetings but has only been able to secure secondary meetings with prime ministers ahead of the official meetings. Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief David Pratt says governments should 'smarten up' and warns that it's 'not good business to offend and disrespect us so that we have to blockade.' He says governments should view First Nations as 'equal partners around the table,' adding that if First Nations were in decision-making positions and proposed developments in their cities, 'MPs would be up in arms.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Vatican hiding sacred treasures, countries demand return of indigenous artifacts
The Vatican's Anima Mundi Ethnological Museum , nestled in the heart of Vatican City , is home to thousands of Indigenous artifacts from every corner of the globe. Originally collected for a 1925 Vatican exhibition showcasing the reach of Catholic missions, these items now sit at the center of a growing international debate: Should these sacred and culturally vital objects be returned to their communities of origin? As calls for repatriation grow louder, here's a closer look at which countries are demanding the return of their heritage, what artifacts are involved, and where the Vatican stands. Canada: A call for healing and justice Canadian Indigenous leaders are among the most vocal, seeking the return of sacred items such as a rare Inuvialuit sealskin, Cree leather gloves, a two-century-old wampum belt, a Gwich'in baby belt, a beluga tooth necklace, sacred pipes, medicine bundles, ceremonial attire, and an Inuit kayak. These artifacts were taken during a period marked by forced assimilation and residential schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo Chief Bobby Cameron of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations emphasized, 'Every one of these artifacts is a sacred item, essential for the healing journey of numerous survivors of residential schools'. Floyd Favel, curator at the Chief Poundmaker Museum, added, 'They embody our history and culture. They strengthen our connection to the past, which is increasingly vital as our languages and cultures face significant threats'. Victoria Pruden, president of the Métis National Council, reflected on viewing the artifacts: 'You couldn't help but feel that tug in your heart that those items should be back home. And they should be somewhere where our children and our grandchildren and our communities could enjoy them and contemplate them'. Live Events Despite Pope Francis 's 2022 apology and pledge to return the artifacts, none have yet been repatriated. 'There's a lot of rhetoric around truth and reconciliation, a lot of sort of performativity around it, but there hasn't been any restitution to date,' said Indigenous advocate Bell. Ecuador: A rare success story Ecuador is among the few countries to have seen a successful return: the Vatican repatriated a shrunken head used in Jivaroan rituals back to Ecuador in 2021. This act is frequently cited as a hopeful precedent by other nations seeking the return of their own heritage. Australia: Seeking recognition and respect The Vatican's collection includes feathered headdresses, masks, and ceremonial objects from Aboriginal Australian communities. Aboriginal leaders argue these items remain stripped of context and meaning, and their calls for return persist. The Vatican claims these were gifts, but many Indigenous advocates and historians dispute whether genuine consent was possible under colonial power dynamics. The Vatican's position: gifts or appropriation? The Vatican maintains that most items were received as gifts, but Pope Francis has acknowledged the need for restitution. 'The Seventh Commandment comes to mind: If you steal something you have to give it back,' he said, signaling openness to returning artifacts on a case-by-case basis. On the broader issue, Pope Francis stated, 'The restitution of the Indigenous things is underway with Canada — at least we agreed to do it… In the case where you can return things, where it's necessary to make a gesture, better to do it. It's good for everyone, so you don't get used to putting your hands in someone else's pockets'. As the international spotlight grows, the Vatican faces mounting pressure to address these claims transparently and justly. For many Indigenous communities, the return of these artifacts is not just about reclaiming objects, but about restoring identity, dignity, and cultural continuity. As Victoria Pruden put it, 'What an important symbol of reconciliation returning them will be when we manage to accomplish that".
National Observer
7 days ago
- Politics
- National Observer
Chiefs remind King Charles about his treaty obligations
Dozens of First Nations leaders from across the country gathered in front of Parliament Hill Monday with a message for the King as he arrived in the city — respect your treaty partners. Treaties were "meant to be a respectful relationship where we could continue to live our lives, practise our inherent rights of hunting, trapping, fishing and trade amongst one another," said Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief David Pratt in front of a teepee erected on the lawn. "It was not meant to be what it is today, which is the oppression of our people. We want to remind the King our chiefs want to see him. Our chiefs want to see the King to remind him of his obligations under treaty." King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Ottawa Monday to begin their first visit to Canada since the King's coronation two years ago. Parliament also opened Monday and MPs voted to elect the new Speaker of the House of Commons. While Prime Minister Mark Carney and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon were both scheduled to have audiences with the King and Queen, the leaders gathered on Parliament Hill argued that they should also have a seat at the table. "We always hear about nation-to-nation, but when we get ready for the throne speech, and where the King is going to be speaking, our leadership have not been invited in those spaces," said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. Late Monday afternoon, it was announced that the King and Queen would also hold audiences with the leaders of three national Indigenous organizations: Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden. Dozens of First Nations leaders from across the country gathered in front of Parliament Hill Monday with a message for the King as he arrived in the city — respect your treaty partners. "We are getting ready to move ahead and move forward with our relationship with the Crown," Wilson said. "And what that means is Canada is no longer making decisions for our people. That's something we've been dealing with for generations... There needs to be a renewed relationship with Canada. They need to understand our rights as First Nations people." The assembled First Nations leaders said they also want the federal Liberals to take action on reforming the child welfare system, protecting traditional lands and building infrastructure desperately needed in Indigenous communities. "There's billions, if not trillions of dollars taken out of our territories every year. None of it comes back to our nations," said Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations Trevor Mercredi. "We all have issues at home, but we're here today to fight for the most important issue of all, and that's our treaties. It's about time the King, the prime minister and premiers fully understand. And if it takes lawsuits for them to fully understand, that's what we'll do once again."
Hamilton Spectator
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Chiefs tell King Charles to remember his treaty obligations as he visits Ottawa
OTTAWA - Dozens of First Nations leaders from across the country gathered in front of Parliament Hill today with a message for the King as he arrives in the city — respect your treaty partners. The leaders say they also want the federal Liberals to take action on reforming the child welfare system, protecting traditional lands and building infrastructure desperately needed in Indigenous communities. King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Ottawa today to begin their first visit to Canada since the King's coronation two years ago. Parliament also opened and MPs voted to elect the new Speaker of the House of Commons. Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief David Pratt says King Charles, and in turn Canada, should uphold and respect the treaty relationship they began with his ancestors. He says the relationship between First Nations and the Crown was not intended to be one-sided and that the Crown should not be dictating to them on how to live their lives. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2025.
