Mushkegowuk Council
Omushkegowuk Sending Strong Clear Messages on Control of Governance and Homelands
(February 3, 2014 – Mushkegowuk Homelands) The Mushkegowuk Council held its 28th Mamowihitowin of the Omushkegowuk (Annual General Assembly) in Fort Albany this past week. The Nations of the council collectively addressed several regional issues that are important and critical to the people of the Mushkegowuk communities in the areas of Health Care, Treaty Implementation, Education, Child and Family Services, Housing and Economic Development. A recurring message and resolution throughout the assembly was agreeing on taking action and regaining control of our homelands and governance systems.
Despite his serious state of health, Grand Chief Dr. Stan Louttit attended the assembly to provide strong leadership on behalf of the Omushkegowuk.
One of the on-going serious concerns for the Omushkegowuk is regional health governance and service delivery. In his presentation to the delegates, Chief Norm Hardisty of the Moose Cree First Nation stated; “the First Nation governments do not have a strong enough voice regarding health planning and service delivery in the region and it seems that corporate entities are attempting to make decisions without discussion and direction from First Nation governments.”
For many years First Nations worked diligently to exercise greater control and authority over health planning and health service delivery for their citizens within the Mushkegowuk territory, including through the Partners in Change initiative in the 1980`s and early 90`s. This was followed up by the transfer of the health and the creation of the Weeneebayko Health Ahtuskaywin (WHA) in 1993. Under the WHA, First Nation Chiefs participated on the Corporate Board on behalf of their citizens.
Under the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement, signed in 2007, this structure changed and some argue that this took the decision-making role out of the hands of elected First Nation leaders and councils giving more authority to corporate entities and government officials.
“We have to take responsibility, we have to take charge, it bothers me to know that a corporation is not showing respect to the authority and decisions made by the governments of the Mushkegowuk First Nations,” said Grand Chief Stan Louttit.
Under their mandates, authority and jurisdiction, the Nations affirmed prior positions that the future location of a new regional hospital should be located on Indian and federal lands to continue and foster the Treaty relationship that exists between the Nations and Canada by virtue of the signing of Treaty #9, the James Bay Treaty in 1905-06. Further, The Nations also called for a Health Forum to be held in the next few months in order to review the present system of health governance and health care services in the region.”
The spirit and intent of the Treaty including the implementation of the provisions of the Treaty continues to foster much discussion in the areas of lands, waters and jurisdiction in all areas including the creation of wealth in the region so that the Nations will not and cannot rely on government funding for their daily needs in the areas of housing, infrastructure, education, social programming and economic development. The creation of strategies in wealth creation and economic growth in the region are key to moving away from the poverty that exists in many the communities. The Chief of the host community of Fort Albany, Rex Knapaysweet expressed concern about the movement of economic wealth away from the community. The revenues generated by some of these external corporations largely benefit that company only with little or no direct benefit to the community itself.
The Youth and Elders of the region strongly affirmed their belief that the lands, waters and environment in general continues to be vital for the future of our Nations and should be central and key to any discussion in the key areas of discussion as noted above namely
Treaty, health, economic development, education, social programming including housing.On the topic of the potential Ring of Fire mining development, the Chiefs and delegates expressed their strong concerns to Noront and KWG representatives. They spoke clearly on the need for Mushkegowuk First Nations to be actively involved in all decision making on Ring of Fire projects. They also agreed unanimously that protection of the lands and waters is the utmost priority.
Leaders in the field of Education affirmed their prior concerns about the actions taken by Canada to implement strategies surrounding education without adequate consultation with First Nation leadership, grass roots education experts including parents and students. The Educational Leaders continue to have grave concerns about the federal action and have gone on record to reject any top down effort by Canada.
The Mamowihitowin was cut short by the sudden passing of an Elder from the Fort Albany community. However, a majority of the business of the Nations was completed.
The Grand Chief, Deputy Grand Chief, Chiefs with the support of the technical staff and professionals of Mushkegowuk Council now have the task of developing and implementing action and work plans in each of the key areas of discussion and direction.
For further information contact:
Grand Chief Dr. Stan Louttit: 705 658 4222 email: stanlouttit@mushkegowuk.ca
Chief Norm Hardisty: 705 658 4619 email: norm.hardisty@moosecree.com
Source: http://www.mushkegowuk.com/?p=2981
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