The draft declaration

The Canadian Press has a draft of the declaration that would end Theresa Spence’s protest. The draft includes 13 priorities.

— An immediate meeting between the Governor General, federal and provincial governments and all First Nations to discuss treaty and non-treaty relationships.
— Clear work plans with firm target outcomes, timelines, and goals for the short, medium and long term, with immediate focus on housing.
— Frameworks for treaty implementation and enforcement on a nation-to-nation basis.
— Reform the comprehensive claims policy so it is based on inherent aboriginal rights.
— Work towards resource revenue sharing by involving provincial and territorial governments.
— Better oversight of the environment to ensure sustainable development.
— A thorough review and consultation of two federal omnibus budget bills to ensure they are consistent with constitutional protections of aboriginal rights.
— Ensure all federal legislation has the free, prior and informed consent of First Nations.
— Ensure federal funding is fair, sustainable, indexed and not subject to arbitrary caps.
— Set up a national inquiry on violence against indigenous women.
— More investment in building schools as well as funding parity with off-reserve schools, and extra funding for First Nations languages.
— Change federal oversight of First Nations by setting up a dedicated cabinet committee and secretariat within the Privy Council Office.
— Full implementation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.