A Summit on Territory and Resources - "We want an answer, otherwise, the Indian Summer might last much longer, and be much warmer"

WENDAKE, QC, Aug. 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - At the end of a two-day meeting in Wemotaci, in the Atikamekw territory, the Chiefs members of the AFNQL, agreed to give the next Quebec government to come to power, a period of exactly thirty days to indicate its intention to participate in a summit on territory and resources.

"The next government, and I would even say, the National Assembly, as the institution representing the Quebec society, will have to take account of the undeniable reality specific to the fundamental issues linked to the territory and its resources", indicated the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard, at the end of the special meeting in Wemotaci. "The time of handshakes and piecemeal agreements shall give way to discussions on the real issues: the territory, the development of resources and the blatant denial of our rights by the governments", added the Chiefs of the Atikamekw Nation, who were the hosts of this important meeting.

After blockades and attempts to establish discussions with the current government to achieve concrete results based on their priorities, the Chiefs of the Atikamekw Nation have informed their counterparts of the other nations that the current government is buying time and is far from negotiating in good faith. "Our populations are getting more and more impatient and they are seriously considering taking up the path of a forthright utterance", stated Chief David Boivin, from Wemotaci, who reiterated his request for support from the Chiefs of the other First Nations, which in fact reconfirmed their unconditional support of the approach advocated by the Atikamekw Nation.

"The Chiefs of the AFNQL who participated in the meeting in Wemotaci, do not exclude the possibility of resorting to means intended to persuade the next government to take it as a serious notice of intent, and it is its sole responsibility to ensure that the Indian summer is not hotter than usual", concluded the Chief of the AFNQL.

About the AFNQL
The AFNQL is the regional organization regrouping the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. For information: www.apnql-afnql.com.

SOURCE: ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS OF QUEBEC AND LABRADOR

Mélanie Vincent
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