Sawridge and Kapawe'no First Nations and Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Self-Determination
News release
November 14, 2018 — Edmonton, AB — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Sawridge First Nation and Kapawe'no First Nation
The Government of Canada is committed to renewing the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples. This renewal must be a nation-to-nation relationship – one based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
The Government of Canada, the Sawridge First Nation and the Kapawe'no First Nation announced today that they have taken a key step forward on a path of relationship renewal and reconciliation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Self-Determination.
The co-developed Memorandum of Understanding commits the parties to working together to help advance the First Nations' visions of self-determination for the benefit of their communities. The Memorandum of Understanding sets out the process and topics for discussions between the parties with a focus on self-government.
"We believe this a promising first step of a new journey in reconciliation of our jurisdiction with Canada. Sawridge has and will continue to exercise our inherent right to self-determination by way of our Constitution and laws. We hope this government finishes the process that we started more than 20 years ago with a previous government."
Chief Roland Twinn,
Sawridge First Nation
"Kapawe'no looks forward to this relationship for several decades, Kapawe'no First Nation has made targeted efforts to build a foundation for effective governance based on our inherent rights. An effective model of governance will ensure that the decisions and activities of the Chief and Council and the Nation Administration are responsive to the needs of the community."
Chief Frank T. Halcrow
Kapawe'no First Nation
"This Memorandum of Understanding with the Sawridge and Kapawe'no First Nations is a key step to strengthen our nation-to-nation relationships and advance reconciliation. Our goal is to find common ground for negotiating self-government arrangements that would move the First Nations out from under the Indian Act so they can chart their own course toward a brighter future based on the priorities and needs of their communities."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
