Crown – Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Today, Chief Morris Beardy of Fox Lake Cree Nation and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance shared work at a Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination table.

This co-developed Memorandum of Understanding will help guide the parties as they move forward together to achieve reconciliation based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and true partnership.

The goal of these discussions is to find common ground for negotiating arrangements to identify a path to resolution of Fox Lake Cree Nation’s issues and concerns, and advance the First Nation’s right to self-determination as they chart their own path to a better future based on community priorities. This includes working together to move beyond the Indian Act toward self-government, strengthening the treaty relationship and promoting healing, economic self-sufficiency and the revitalization of traditional laws, language and culture.

Quotes

“It’s been 75 years since Fox Lake Cree Nation was recognized as a band, and we are still waiting for a secure land base and for the resolution of the impacts of decades of development of Manitoba’s largest hydroelectric infrastructure on our lands. This MOU is an important step that will see those discussions move forward. I want to recognize Hon. Minister Miller and the Government of Canada for their commitment to work toward the resolution of Fox Lake’s historical grievances and right to self-determination.”

Chief Morris Beardy
Fox Lake Cree Nation

“This Memorandum of Understanding is an important step in our relationship with Fox Lake Cree Nation, including a strengthened nation-to-nation partnership. We are committed to advancing this important work in the spirit of true collaboration and respect as we work toward the implementation of the community’s right to self-determination and their vision of a better future for their people.”

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Quick facts

• Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions between Canada and Fox Lake Cree Nation first began in 2019.
• The Memorandum of Understanding announced today outlines the steps in the process and topics for exploratory discussions between the parties.
• Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties will work together toward shared solutions to advance a lasting reconciliation and renew their nation-to-nation relationship for the benefit of the community.

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Renelle Arsenault
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
renelle.arsenault@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Media Relations
Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca

Tom Garrett
Advisor to Fox Lake Cree Nation
204-806-3670
tom@chadwickconsulting.ca