Summit on terrritories and resources - The government of Pauline Marois confirms its intention to participate

WENDAKE, QC, Oct. 6, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - With the silence of the previous provincial government and especially, its policy of exclusion towards a majority of First Nations, from any development, Chiefs of AFNQL, in a meeting last August, in the Atikamekw territory, decided to convene the new government of Quebec to a Summit on territories and resources. Based on the decision by the Chiefs, the Summit has to be held within one hundred days following the election of the new government.

Chiefs have requested that the new Premier confirms within 30 days following her election, her intention to participate or not, in the Summit organized by AFNQL.

The Premier has accepted to participate in the Summit and has formally informed the Chief of AFNQL, who also spoke with the new minister delegated to Native affairs, Mrs. Elizabeth Larouche on the matter.  " We recognize the importance of the challenge when it comes to the territory. Much work remains, which is why a clear commitment is an important first step", declared Ghislain Picard, Chief of AFNQL.

In their special meeting, in the atikamekw territory, the Chiefs of AFNQL have agreed that the era where their peoples could only be spectators to the development of the territories has to now be replaced by a greater participation in the decision making.

"All First Nations want to participate in the development rather than being excluded from it. We want to build a respectful, equitable and sutainable relationship, for the benefit of all First Nations and quebecois alike. It is in this spirit that we want to move forward on the Summit on territories and resources with the Pauline Marois government", concludes Chief Picard.

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

Source :

Nadine Gros-Louis
418-842-5020
418-564-4555
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