Question Period Note: Desautel

About

Reference number:
CIR-2022-QP-00006
Date received:
Dec 17, 2021
Organization:
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Name of Minister:
Miller, Marc (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Suggested Response:

Desautel
• The Government of Canada is committed to renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples based on affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.
• On April 23, 2021, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in the Desautel case. The Court ruled that non-resident or non-citizen Indigenous individuals from communities outside Canada may be able to exercise Indigenous rights here.
• We will work to ensure that the implications of the decision are reflected in the Government’s next steps.
• We also look forward to engaging in dialogue with the province of British Columbia and the Lakes Tribe on the implementation of their rights.

Background:

N/A

Additional Information:

If Pressed on the Recognition of Sinixt Descendants in Canada (i.e. the ‘Autonomous Sinixt’ or descendants of the Arrow Lakes Band)
• The Government of Canada is committed to working with the descendants of the Sinixt both in Canada and the United-States.
• We will do this in a way that is consistent with a rights-based approach, direction from the courts, and in collaboration with our Indigenous partners.