AFN supports actions on June 24: Atleo

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) national chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said the AFN supports the peaceful actions taken by First Nations citizens across Canada on the National Day of Action June 24.
"Thousands of First Nations citizens and supporters participated in demonstrations including blockades, rallies and marches, on June 24 the day before Canada welcomes world leaders to the G8 and G20 meetings," Atleo said. "This at a time when First Nations leaders have called on Canada to advance fundamental rights recognition through endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples."
Atleo said the AFN views this as an opportunity to re-set the relationship between Canada and First Nations regarding honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, respecting First Nations rights, strengthening First Nations language and culture, better education, better homes, better opportunities and stronger First Nations government and economy.
"We want movement on these issues," Atleo said. "The message of June 24 is that First Nations people are no longer willing to wait. We have shown profound patience given the poverty of our people in the face of the nation's prosperity."
Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation (Shoal Lake #39) held a peaceful demonstration June 24 at the water channel where the City of Winnipeg draws some of its drinking water.
"Every year millions of gallons (of water) are removed from our territory...which we have never given our permission to use," said Iskatewizaagegan chief Eli Mandamin in a press release.
"The City of Winnipeg continues to enjoy clean, safe water that is taken from our watershed, and for which we have never received fair compensation...every time our nation attempts to undertake developments that will benefit and improve the lives of our people the City of Winnipeg raises objections using the issue of water quality as a reason for opposing or placing unreasonable demands on our development efforts," Mandamin said.
Iskatewizaagegan was also demonstrating against the twinning of Hwy 17 through their traditional territory, which the community was never consulted about.
Mandamin said all the community wants is for the honouring of the principles of the Treaties: fairness, sharing and the working together as equals.
"By honouring these three principles we can go a long way to improve the quality of life for our people," he said.