Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Whitecap Dakota Nation
On Friday June 16, with the support of Whitecap Dakota Nation, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations introduced Bill C-51. If passed, Bill C-51 will give effect to A Self-Government Treaty Recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate, which was co-developed with Whitecap Dakota Nation and received broad support from its members.
This Treaty formally recognizes Whitecap Dakota Nation as an "Aboriginal Peoples of Canada" and affirms their inherent right to self-government under the Constitution Act, 1982. The parties have committed to build on this new Treaty relationship founded in reconciliation of Whitecap Dakota's rights in Canada.
This Self-Government Treaty also recognizes Whitecap's law-making powers on their reserve lands in over 30 areas. This includes governance, land management, natural resources, business development, membership, cultural matters, language revitalization and preservation, education, financial management and accountability, health and social services.
Whitecap Dakota Nation's Treaty is a major step for Whitecap to move out from under the Indian Act, implement their right to self-government and ensure they have increased control over the decisions affecting their community. With self-government, Whitecap can continue to build on their successes in economic development and enhance community well-being for the benefit of their members for generations to come.
The Government of Canada is working with First Nation partners to restore respectful Nation-to-Nation relationships, recognize their inherent right to self-determination and support communities as they move out from under the Indian Act and transition to self-government.
