Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Chiefs in Assembly

Keeshkeemaquah Conference & Gaming Centre

Long Plain First Nation

DAY 1 – Tuesday, January 24, 2006

OPENING CEREMONIES

Pipe Ceremony conducted by Elder Morris Merrick, Long Plain First Nation

Grand Entry/Opening Flag Songs by the Assiniboine Juniors Drum Group

Opening Prayer by Elder Morris Merrick, Long Plain First Nation

OPENING REMARKS

Chair Ken Whitecloud provided opening remarks and welcoming all in attendance. He expressed thanks to Elder Morris Merrick who is here to offer sage and advice this morning. Once a quorum is achieved we will adopt the agenda and rules of procedures and then the business of the agenda.

Host Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation

Chief Meeches expressed thank you to the Chair, the Elder for the opening prayer and pipe ceremony and the drum group for the songs. He is honoured to be here today welcoming everyone to the Keeshkeemaquah Conference Centre. He spoke of the concern First Nations are expressing and feeling with the newly elected Progressive Conservative (PC) government but that we need to move forward regardless of what government is in place. He committed that the AMC Chiefs will safeguard the commitments made at the recently held First Ministers meeting in Kelowna. He indicated that the Chiefs will do whatever needs to be done to ensure the agreements are honoured. He congratulated Tina Keeper as the new Liberal Member of Parliament. He also thanked Gary McLean for running in the Portage-Lisgar constituency as it is a tough riding to win as it is traditionally PC. He stated that the key to electing our First Nation candidates is First Nation involvement in voting. He went on to thank AMC for hosting their Assembly in Long Plain First Nation. He thanked Grand Chief Ron Evans for all his hard work since being in office. He also wished the AFN Regional Vice-Chief candidates the best of luck.

Grand Chief Ron Evans, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

He greeted everyone in attendance here this morning. He then thanked the Elder, Morris Merrick, for his prayers and inviting the Creator to be among us today and thanked the Drum Group for their songs by which we opened this Assembly and today’s deliberations.

He spoke to the election results and the change in government from Liberal to Progressive Conservative. He thanked First Nations leadership for encouraging their citizens to vote.

He spoke to the fact that he was elected by the Chiefs of the First Nations in Manitoba in July 2005 with a three year mandate to promote unity amongst our people and our leaders, to implement responsible and effective First Nations governance, to advocate for the preservation, protection and implementation of the sacred treaties while recognizing, respecting and honoring the autonomy of First Nation decision making powers.

He expressed the need for continued unity among First Nations people as he saw first hand how effective unity can move agendas forward amongst indigenous peoples when he traveled to Chile. He was able to observe how unity could benefit indigenous peoples, as the groups he was meeting with were not as organized as First Nations in Canada/Manitoba and he discovered that we as First Nations are a role model for these indigenous groups. During this trip, he recognized that Indigenous issues are global and from this we can build international relationships. He thanked Chief Kent for inviting the Grand Chief to participate in this trip. He informed the Chiefs that there are Canadian mining companies there expropriating resources and destroying the land of the indigenous peoples. They need our help.

He stated that AMC has moved forward on a number of initiatives such as the partnership with Long Plain First Nation regarding the urban reserve, and the development of a regional First Nations diabetes strategy to develop Centers of Excellence.

He raised the issue that the mentality of the newly elected government is that First Nations cannot manage their own affairs and that we cannot think for ourselves. Therefore unity among First Nations is very important at this time.

He also spoke to the upcoming AFN Vice-Chief election and how this position will become very important particularly as it relates to the commitments that came out of the First Ministers meeting in Kelowna.

He indicated that the federal election results may impact AFN because of the relationship the National Chief had with Paul Martin. It is essential that First Nations strategize on moving forward and making progress.

He congratulated Tina Keeper on her win and urged the Chiefs that Tina will need our unified help to lessen impact of negative decisions that could be made on behalf of First Nations.

He conveyed thanks to Chief Dennis Meeches and his community for hosting the Assembly and for welcoming us in their traditional territory and lands.

Chair announced that we would move forward with presentations until quorum is achieved.

RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS UPDATE– Charlene Belleau, Assembly of First Nations

She presented a power point on Addressing the legacy of Canada’s Residential School System. She provided background information on how AFN worked towards the signing of the Residential School (RS) Political Accord on May 30, 2005 and the resulting Agreement in Principle (AIP).

She then reviewed the terms and conditions of the AIP, outlined the compensation package and next steps, which included completion of the final agreement and presentation to Cabinet – which AFN expects to do by June 2006. Law requires that a mandatory notification period for former student to decide whether they want to accept the settlement and pending acceptance, administration of the settlement agreement would proceed and is anticipated by the fall of 2006. This is all pending acceptance by the newly elected Progressive Conservative government.

NORTH AMERICAN CHILD PRESENTATION – Chief Terry Nelson, Roseau River First Nation

He presented a video to the Chiefs in Assembly on an upcoming concert to be held in New York City as part of the LISTEN Campaign 2006 and Native American Indians are to be focused at this event . They have contacted the American Indian Movement (AIM) to find a North American child that represents the theme of this year’s concert which is “A Child in Need”.

He is making the recommendation to AIM that this child in need be from Winnipeg (tell the story of the 11 year old Beardy girl who committed suicide in the north end of Winnipeg) (possibly a sibling) as we will then have a chance to tell the world what is happening to Canadian Indians as the suicide rates amongst our people are indicative our situation. Chief Nelson has already spoken to mom Christina Beardy and she has agreed to this. This would be done through a two-minute video, which would be played at this concert, which has an audience of 200 countries and 500 million people. He stated that this type of publicity/public relations cannot be bought.

He indicated that Floyd Westerman will be presenting this 20 minute video and that 10 children will be chosen world wide to be depicted in it. One of those children will be a North American Indian child. At a recently held meeting on this issue, a number of African American Mayors from the U.S. strongly supported that one of the children be a North American Indian child. The child will have 2 minutes to send a positive message across the world.

He then asked for support from AMC in the amount of $20,000 to document this story (20 minute video). Chief Nelson asked the Chiefs to push this issue. The world wide audience will see first hand, the serious problem of Aboriginal children/youth suicide in Canada. Other issues can be profiled, such as gang problems, housing problems, etc.

He indicated, as well, that there are resolutions from both Roseau River and Swan Lake First Nations for AMC to address police brutality towards First Nations. He reminded the Chiefs that the father of the child who committed suicide had been beaten by Winnipeg Police. Past inquiries have failed.

RESOLUTION JAN-06.05 – Re: LISTEN CAMPAIGN 2006

Moved by: Chief Terry Nelson, Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation

Seconded by: Chief Robert Daniels, Swan Lake First Nation

CARRIED

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Dennis White Bird, Treaty Commissioner

He started his presentation by thanking the Chiefs for hosting this conference so that he was able to attend and present his information. He stated that it is refreshing to see what First Nations can do when we have the capacity and resources to develop our communities and Long Plain First Nation’s achievements demonstrate that.

He then thanked the Elders for their support and recognized them as our teachers, historians and spiritual advisors and it is because of them that our treaties remain strong and continue to play a role in our lives.

He thanked the First Nation leaders for their efforts in continuing to ensure that governments are held accountable towards treaty and aboriginal rights and their continued pursuit of treaty and inherent right implementation. Our children are our future and we must continue to have treaty discussions so that we can teach our children our history – history of our inherent right so that they can continue to struggle and pursue the continued enforcement of our rights. Mr. White Bird indicated that a level of confidence was given to him to do this job.

He spoke of the mandate of the Treaty Relations Commission of which a big component is public education, to educate Canadians, First Nations children on and off reserve, other children in the cities and governments and major educational institutions. He has met with the University of Manitoba, Universities of Winnipeg and Brandon and colleges in the province to discuss his aspirations. Therefore, the office has begun to build those academic relationships. They will also be conducting research on the oral history of treaties. The work plan speaks to hosting an Elders Forum and the Treaty Relations Commission (TRC) is working with AMC to move forward on that. Resources are tight so we are in the process of developing options as to how we bring people together to speak to these issues. The TRC has also developed a working relationship with the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) on treaty curriculum and we are currently reviewing the content for them. A web site is also being developed in addition to the establishment of a Speaker’s Bureau where Treaty experts will come to discuss their understanding of treaty and their implementation.

He stated that there is a trend in Canada to look at treaty implementation and to understand treaties from a First Nation perspective. The recently signed AFN Political Accord makes specific reference to treaty implementation. We need to work towards that, we need to give information to AFN and to Canada so that they can share the same understanding that we have with regard to treaty implementation/interpretation from a Manitoba perspective.

In order to begin to understand treaties, we need to go back 1000’s of years – as there is physical evidence that this is our territory despite migration of our peoples and we need to remember that every time we talk about treaties – that is where we start with regard to the negotiation stage. We need to ensure that we go back far enough to talk about our inherent right, our nationhood. An Elder who visited him informed him that First Nations cannot “jump” into treaty rights. We must know our history, who we are and our land base first and foremost. The Elder also talked about the great misunderstanding of treaty language interpretation. The Elder indicated that there was only two ways to interpret treaty, through written context and orally (spirit and intent).

He reminded that other Treaty Commissioner offices are operational in Canada. The first one opened in BC to look at modern day treaties, and there are offices in Saskatchewan and Treaty 9 in Ontario and one is starting up in Alberta.

He also indicated that the Supreme Court of Canada has begun defining the role of Treaties and recognizing First Nation and Treaty rights.

The mandate/timeframe of the TRC is five years + 10 months for start-up. The first year of operations of the TRC is April 1, 2006. The office will look at the relationship between the First Nations and the Crown and implement the relationship as government to government. Overall the office will focus on research, beneficiaries of treaties, public education and interpretation to a small extent. He will maintain reports to First Nation leadership. He will also be meeting with the Provincial Education Minister to address curriculum development and implementation.

He discussed that the signing of the Canadian Constitution in 1867, First Nations was not included as one the two founding nations. He implored that First Nations must be included.

The TRC is managed by a Joint Steering Committee (structure includes INAC Minister and the AMC office). The responsibility of the Treaty Commissioner Office rests with the AMC Grand Chief and Minister of INAC. The expectation from government and AMC is that the Treaty Commissioner remains independent and neutral to ensure the integrity of the office and Commissioner. Therefore he is seeking the Chiefs in Assembly’s continued support for the Treaty Relations Commission.

He has hired an Executive Director – Jennifer Nepinak. Ms. Nepinak is a lawyer and has worked with Provincial Natural Resources, INAC Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE), and she articled with AMC. She will be a great asset to the TRC. The office will have new researchers in the new fiscal year. The Grand Opening of the TRC is March 22, 2006 and Mr. White Bird invited the Chiefs to attend.

Chief Bighetty, Mathias Colomb First Nation, spoke to the signing of Treaty 1 – 135 years ago but what we are forgetting is that the treaties are responsible for the “povertization” of our First Nation communities because of the lack of treaty implementation. Our people are the poorest of the poor, and yet others continue to benefit from this treaty relationship. Canada exports $300B of resources, yet only $8B reaches First Nations. He stated that we can use the Treaty Relations Commission to implement treaties to get our people out of poverty but that any strategy developed must be reviewed and approved by our grassroots citizens. He stated that we must begin teaching non-aboriginal people about treaties, they must pay for the land. He encouraged the Chiefs to move on with treaty implementation. He indicated that two weeks ago he was on a talk show and was labeled a terrorist because he cited violence would occur from First Nations unless proper resources and funding was provided to First Nations. The Chief continues to stand behind his words.

Tom North of the Youth Advisory Committee with AMC asked Mr. White Bird if the April 1, 2006 requirement to have a passport to cross over to U.S. border will apply to Treaty people. Mr. White Bird indicated that there has been some discussion on this with the AFN National office in regard to First Nations having free access over the border. He reiterated that boundaries are not to be established for Turtle Island People. He will continue to promote this position. He is not sure how the recent 911 Legislation will affect First Nations peoples.

REVIEW OF THE AGENDA

Chair Ken Whitecloud announced that quorum was established at 1:40 pm and as such then reviewed the rules and procedures and then the agenda for today and tomorrow and asked if there were any questions on the agenda?

Chief Terry Nelson, Roseau River First Nation requested time on the agenda to do a presentation on the LISTEN Campaign 2006. He also requested time for strategy development on the recently elected Progressive Conservative government and their position relating to the commitments outlined at the First Ministers Meeting in Kelowna, British Columbia.

MOTION #1 - To adopt the agenda for the AMC Chiefs in Assembly for January 24 & 25, 2006 with revisions.

Moved by: Chief Barry McKay, Valley River First Nation

Seconded by: Chief Norman Bone, Keeseekoowenin First Nation

Motion Carried

MOTION #2 To adopt the Rules and Procedures as reviewed.

Moved by: Chief Murray Clearsky, Waywayseecappo First Nation

Seconded by: Chief Robert Maytwayashing, Lake Manitoba First Nation

Motion Carried

FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT INITIATIVE – Lorne Cochrane, Director, Special Projects

He began by thanking the Chiefs in Assembly for providing him with an opportunity to discuss the Framework Agreement Initiative (FAI). We are at a cross roads with respect to the Framework Agreement Initiative. It is the understanding of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs that re-focusing and re-prioritizing the direction of the Framework needs to be undertaken. We know that the Agreements in Principle (AIPs) should have been signed by now but Canada is having difficulty accepting the wording being put forth by First Nations.

It is imperative that the Government of Canada live up to the principles laid out in the Framework particularly in the areas of interpretation and implementation of Treaties, which should be the overarching guide to this process.

It is the position of AMC that we need to move forward with our FAI agenda based on Treaty negotiations and uphold Canada to their agreement, which was approved for Canada by Cabinet and signed in 1994. Canada continues to say that the FAI is not treaty and needs based, and as such, AMC has major concern on Canada’s position.

It is also clear that we need to determine what our governance structures will look like. In order to do that, as part of the next steps of the negotiations, we propose to re-establish the FAI Chiefs Committee with a minimum of three Chiefs from the North and three Chiefs from the South, to give hands-on direction and guidance to the staff of the Framework Agreement Initiative and all three First Nation Political organizations would continue to oversee various activities and responsibilities at the sectoral tables.

In addition we need to ensure critical linkages are made, particularly with the Natural Resources Transfer Act and the impact it has on the ability of First Nations to benefit from the revenues made from the extraction of these resources from our traditional territories.

In order to begin addressing this issue of revenue, the Grand Chief has successfully negotiated a Terms of Reference to develop a Memorandum of Understanding in how all First Nations will become engaged in economic development with the Province of Manitoba with respect to natural resources. We are committed to working with all First Nations and their political organizations to ensure that this is a driving factor in our ability to look at “own source revenue”. To us, “own source revenues” are not a form of taxation of our individuals but taxation on the resources extracted from our traditional territories.

Our Elders Council, who has been providing guidance to the FAI process, has told our staff that we need to re-focus our energies on oral history of First Nations interpretation of the Treaties. In response to their recommendations, a proposal has been developed to begin work on this process.

This process will be First Nation driven and we want to assure you that there are provisions for human resources funding. This funding will allow each First Nation community – if successfully negotiated – to hire a community coordinator to link with the FAI staff - thereby ensuring that interpretation of the Treaties will come from each First Nation community in Manitoba respecting the autonomy of their understanding of said Treaties.

We also need to look at other processes that have the ability to assist or slow our negotiations such as the First Ministers Meeting and the Roundtables sessions that took place in 2004/2005 with respect to Health, Housing, Education, Accountability, Policy & Capacity Development, Claims and Self-Government Rights. We need to ensure that any national discussions, development of initiatives take into consideration the circumstance of First Nations in Manitoba and their respective relationships with the provincial governments and that these national discussions complement what is happening or not happening in our communities.

First Nations also have major concern with Canada’s position on Own Source Revenue (OSR). Canada is indicating that First Nations must provide their own revenue into the self governing structures. Canada is pushing for OSR to be part of the sectoral FAI tables in the AIPs. Canada indicates that they must look at stand alone agreements containing OSR wording. AMC has a major concern with this. An example given was that the First Nation Child and Family Agency funding is years behind, and there is no parity with off reserve counterparts. As well, any OSR issues down the road should address First Nations having access to natural resources.

We will also need to develop linkages with the AFN Political Accord that was signed with the Federal Government that will allow First Nations to discuss the issue of citizenship. The government continues to tell us that citizenship is not up for negotiation but is willing to grant us membership as defined in the Indian Act.

Moving forward includes looking at things such as defining our governance structures, but more importantly defining whom our citizens are and not having them defined for us. If we are successful in this endeavour, it would deal with issues such as Bill C-31 and the negative impacts of the policy changes associated with that legislation such as sections 6(1) and 6(2) which allows for categorization of our First Nation children.

Clear direction has been provided to us to establish a Treaty Committee of Chiefs and as such, the Grand Chief has already had one meeting with various Chiefs to discus this issue and future meetings are planned. This committee will provide political participation in reviewing the FAI and what Canada has done so far or not done. We must also ensure that the three political First Nation organizations are working cooperatively and unified on the FAI.

We all understand that the government has been restrictive in a number of areas with respect to interpretation of Treaties and that the implementation of the FAI is taking longer than originally anticipated, but this is due to the complexity of negotiating issues of jurisdiction and governance.

We must force Canada to deal with us in good faith. We must force Canada to come to the table with assurances that their agenda is not one of assimilation or to establish municipal style governments but one of Treaty implementation whereby we as First Nations can take our rightful place in Canadian society. Canada is attempting to pushing us towards their agenda indicating that we have been given a “chance” by giving us a three year extension. We are already ten months into this extension. We must tread very carefully, particularly now with a new government. Therefore, we should not “walk away” from the table; this would provide good ammunition for the conservatives to “use” against the First Nation agendas.

In ending, Lorne indicated that he would like to bring the “new” Committee of Chiefs to the next OSR meeting with the federal government in mid February.

No questions posed.

URBAN RESERVE- Grand Chief Ron Evans & Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation

The establishment of an urban development center or urban reserve by the Assembly of Manitoba (AMC) is designed to take advantage of the land entitlements rights and the inherent right to First Nation self-government for the social and economic well being of all First Nations in Manitoba.

A detailed proposal including an architectural concept plan and a comprehensive program outline and rationale has been processed and accepted by the AMC Executive. The urban development plan, the development of the AMC First Nations Governance House and Service Centre was announced to the public on November 10, 2005. An option to purchase a suitable property in the City of Winnipeg has been completed and the purchase is currently being finalized. Long Plain First Nation as the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) partner has approved the purchase of the land and continues to be involved in the subsequent negotiations regarding the Additions to Reserve (ATR) process and protocol. The support and commitment of the Government of Canada and Manitoba have been solicited and obtained. On February 2, 2006, AMC will be accompanying Mayor Sam Katz, City of Winnipeg to Saskatoon to tour the successes of the Saskatoon model of urban reserve.

Chief Meeches indicated that when treaty promises were made with Long Plain many years ago, that the government (in signing treaties) intentionally set out to diminish Indian land. Research indicates major shortfalls in TLEs. He asserted that Ottawa “tricked” us years ago. The impacts are still felt today. Example he gave was that Long Plain lost 4000 square miles of land. In 1996, Long Plain and INAC signed TLE; yet Long Plain has still not received any land but did acquire the residential school land in 1981 – 45 acres. Federal government has demonstrated “bad faith” in these negotiations by not transferring any land. By not converting land, this has prohibited First Nation economic development.

The required processes and sets of protocol for the establishment of the Additions To Reserve (ATR) have been identified and a business plan has been developed to satisfy all requirements. Negotiations with INAC regarding all necessary elements of a protocol are underway. In addition, negotiations with the City of Winnipeg with regard to a Municipal Services Agreement are in the process and legal counsel of the Long Plain First Nation and the AMC is presently reviewing a draft agreement.

Letters to potential tenants inviting them to indicate an interest and an indication of how much space they may require have been distributed and are being processed. Simultaneously, a Tenancy Development Plan is being prepared in order to develop a sustainable business plan.

Time Frame is as follows:

Completion of regulatory processes/requirements as described by ATR – November 2005 to July 2006
Detailed program planning/completion of business plan – November 2005-July 2006
Architectural programming – February 2006-August 2006
Tender and Construction – Late 2006-2008

Chief Meeches spoke to the history of the taking away of Indian lands. Research conducted then led First Nations to Treaty Land Entitlement and if Canada had honored their agreements, then we would not be meeting at this conference centre today. So sometimes it’s good to reflect on the actions of Canada such as land settlements, residential schools, and treatment of veterans – all of which were a deliberate pattern by government to extinguish our treaty rights. That is one of the downfalls of the Canadian government. Now they must deal with First Nations, which has opened doors for and allowed us to get involved in real economic trade. TLE settlements have taken place across this country but there is a problem with conversions. Canada stated that within 5 years, from the date of purchase of land, you will have a reserve. It’s been 10 years and we have not been able to convert 1 acre. This creates a lot of havoc as it limits First Nation economic initiatives. It makes you question the government’s agenda.

There are a lot of people who don’t want to see First Nations move into urban centres and have been lobbying government to deter First Nations from purchasing land within municipalities. But despite that fact, First Nations continue to move forward because we are strong.

An opportunity presented itself to purchase land in the city of Winnipeg as a study was done by AMC regarding a First Nation government house. With the urban reserve, AMC was able to broker a deal with Manitoba Hydro as they declared the land surplus and therefore Long Plain was able to access that land through TLE.

We should not forget the fact that plebiscites took place in Headingley and Thompson on the urban reserve issue and look at how that played itself out for First Nations. We have a situation today that the city of Winnipeg, the province, the federal government have endorsed the possibility of creating an urban reserve in Winnipeg. I am hoping that we as First Nations “run as one” and Chief Meeches stated that the would like to see an urban reserve owned by all First Nations in Manitoba because there are First Nations out there that are landless.

He stated that he would really like to see a strong central government structure that would pull us together as Chiefs to make decisions that will benefit our First Nation citizens and that is what the government house will allow us to do.

The city of Portage la Prairie is happy that Long Plain secured this site because it allows First Nations a place to gather and the economic spin offs benefit all citizens of Portage la Prairie.

Chief Meeches discussed the Government House concept and indicated that at times the biggest enemy First Nations face is right in this room (ourselves). We compete too much among ourselves; we are not working in unity. To move forward we must be in unity. Long Plain will continue to work with AMC to create the urban reserve and government house. He hopes to have a strong central First Nation government with AMC.

Therefore he is looking for your support on the urban reserve and the government house because it will create an economic environment that will benefit all. He estimated that First Nation government house will cost between $50M to $60M as it will be a 200,000 sq foot building.

He indicated that the new Conservative government would be fools to try to stop First Nation achievements and aspirations, therefore, Chief Meeches recommended that Long Plain will continue to work with AMC on the land conversion and will ask from First Nations, First Nation organizations, businesses, doctors, lawyers, etc. to “buy in” for the urban reserve and government house through expressions of Interest Calls with tender calls. This would assist with the hefty price tag. At the end the urban reserve/government house will be owned by First Nations through the AMC but the name on legal papers will be Long Plain First Nation.

Chief Terry Nelson, Roseau River First Nation provided an update on this community’s experience with the problematic TLE process and the status of their 46 acre land purchase within the City of Winnipeg. Roseau signed TLE in 1996, with conversion committed for 1998. In 1996 there was a minimum shortfall of land that Canada was legally obligated to convert. Chief Nelson questioned as to why it can take the federal government three days to take land off reserve but then it has taken eight years to convert reserve land. He indicated that in 2003 Roseau River worked with AMC to convert land for urban reserve.

He indicated that the new Conservative government has two choices: either fight with First Nations or work with us. We build our own developments; don’t have to rely on banks and governments.

GAMING – Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation

He gave regrets on behalf of Chief Jerry Primrose for not being in attendance to present to the AMC Chiefs in Assembly. He thanked AMC for having himself sit on the Gaming Committee representing Southern First Nations.

Gaming is one of the most complex issues that we face. He recognized Chief Terry Nelson as a strong advocate for gaming in First Nations in Manitoba. For the most part, we have had limited success as Manitoba has put restrictions on how gaming can move forward. Gaming is very lucrative for Manitoba and they will only allow on a limited basis on how First Nations can move forward on gaming issues. We have to fight tooth and nail for what we get despite our treaty and inherent rights.

In 1999, First Nations were promised 5 casinos and there was a lot of interest from several communities. To date there are only two built. Since that time, we had a situation where other successful proponents were shut down by referendums held within their respective municipalities. At this point, it would seem that the province is not keen on casinos any longer. There is a committee to review this situation. We have been able to achieve a letter of understanding, which will set the framework on how we move forward on First Nation gaming in Manitoba. This exercise – First Nations can opt out if they so choose if they want to move forward on their own. For those that want to move forward on the basis of four principles set out within the agreement. AMC has had meetings with province and have convinced them to set up an economic development fund from the revenue from these casinos.

The Province is planning on conducting a market study on future casino development. First Nations fear the results of this study because perhaps there will be more control by the province and a predetermined decision – that there is a saturation point for casino development and therefore no more casino development. First Nations simply want to move forward on casino development based on the original agreement. First Nations are also having a difficult time with the provincial criminal code – as First Nations want to move forward with own First Nation gaming authority. We want to be clear that we are not signing away our treaty rights. – and we don’t want to infringe upon any other First Nation/ Tribal Council Initiative.

Over the next while we have a complex situation we have to navigate and it seems at times that we can’t have a unified position on this. Through this agreement, we hope that we achieve something for First Nations and that we should be able to establish an amount for that economic development fund thru their provincial gaming operations in Winnipeg.

Gaming provides economic development, training, and employment but also creates social issues Gaming is lucrative, look at the success of gaming with the southern U.S. tribes. Therefore we must approach this in a responsible manner. Gaming is here to stay and the province loves those revenues and as such, they will limit the amount that First Nations will benefit as it relates to gaming.

Chief Barry McKay, Valley River First Nation, asked for clarification regarding his understanding of whether or not all First Nations were to benefit from First Nation casino development in Manitoba or were those benefits simply for those individual communities that currently operate casinos. He indicated that the First Nation casinos in Saskatchewan benefit all Saskatchewan First Nations. Therefore, Manitoba casinos should support all First Nations.

Chief Dennis Meeches responded by saying that it was his understanding that all First Nations would benefit all First Nations and he did not remember getting an opportunity to vote on a unified position on whether or not we were to proceed individually or collectively in terms of receiving revenue from gaming. However, in his own personal opinion he agreed with Chief McKay. He wouldn’t know what South Beach or Aseneskat Casinos would say about “opening their doors” to all First Nations. The Province continues to act as “gatekeepers”, they don’t want First Nations to achieve. They must support our economic development through recognizing jurisdictional and treaty rights.

Grand Chief Evans spoke to the province’s view on First Nations revisiting this issue and to come up with solutions as to how to address First Nation gaming. The only thing AMC agreed to is that we would bring together First Nation leaders to sit on a committee and look at all the issues. These Chiefs would then bring back recommendations to the Chiefs in Assembly. Right now this is simply a fact -finding mission and from this information, First Nations will be able to develop solutions to this issue. Grand Chief indicated that the new Conservative Government wants to deal with First Nations one by one rather than a collective. This is a “divide and conquer” tactic.

Chief McKay then apologized to the Chiefs of Opaskawayak Cree Nation and Brokenhead First Nation as he did not mean to single them out but simply wanted to know what was agreed to in terms of casino revenue sharing.

Chief Murray Clearsky, Waywayseecappo First Nation then gave a bit of history in terms of all the proposals (12/13) were put forward by First Nations in regard to the call for proposals for casino development. He stated that he made a recommendation back then to develop only one casino so that all First Nations could benefit.

Chief Terry Nelson spoke to the frustration of simply sitting around talking about issues with no action. Roseau River put together a gaming act and then submitted it to the government of Canada. We need to have a united position or government will never have to take action or move on First Nations issues. We need to have clear numbers to work with here. Look at the VLTs that are in Long Plain – how much money are they bringing in? If Roseau River First Nation was to have casinos in their community, they would generate $100 Million in revenue per year. He then stated that he had made several recommendations during the casino review but none were implemented.

Chief Norman Bone, Keeseekoowenin First Nation, stated that he wanted further information on the market study being conducted by the province as his community is banging on the door of the province to see where they stand in terms of casino development. What they want to do is get into the business and expand beyond a casino and to be more of an entertainment complex. Therefore they are awaiting the results of that market study.

Ian Cramer, AMC, then provided a quick update on what has taken place with regard to provincial discussions. In the first casino initiative it was stated that all First Nations would benefit from casino revenue and that is still the intent but this will take some time. The main objective in the new letter of understanding between Manitoba and AMC is to ensure benefits to all.

DIABETES – agenda item deferred to Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Gary McLean addressed the Assembly and gave his thanks to the Chiefs in Assembly for their support.

Meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm.