Quebec must right now take clear commitments and concrete actions in respect of the Resolution adopted by the Assemblée nationale thirty years ago

WENDAKE, QC, March 20, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) highlights the adoption of the Assemblée nationale du Québec resolution recognizing Aboriginal Nations on March 20, 1985.

"The Assemblée nationale resolution adopted thirty years ago laid the foundation for a clearer relationship, a fair and respectful relationship between the government of Quebec and First Nations. The issue of coexistence in the territory remained however, and still remains, at least from the perspective of the AFNQL, a critical issue and an important and unavoidable challenge," said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.

"The 30^th anniversary is certainly an opportunity to take assess the situation between the government of Quebec and First Nations. Where are we in terms of respect and the recognition of Aboriginal title and Aboriginal rights and treaty? Where are we with respect to co-management and protection of the territory and resources of a territory never ceded by First Nations? Where are we in relation to consultation and accommodation of First Nations based on the decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada and the payment of royalties to First Nations as a result of the exploitation of resources of unceded territory?

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador and the government of Premier Couillard undertake a joint policy approach that will encourage concrete progress for all these major issues, important not only for First Nations but for the harmonious development of the territory called Quebec," added Chief Picard. "

"The AFNQL is committed to this joint political approach with realism, determination and openness. As for Quebec, it must right now take clear commitments and concrete actions to implement the Resolution adopted by the Assemblée nationale thirty years ago its limits," concluded Chief Picard.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization of 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

Mélanie Vincent: [email protected], Cell.: 418-580-4442