Fisher River Cree Nation and Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Reconciliation

For Immediate Release:
Fisher River Cree Nation and Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Reconciliation
December 7, 2018 — Ottawa, ON — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada & Fisher River Cree Nation
Working collaboratively to renew the nation-to-nation relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership is key to achieving reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada.
The Government of Canada and the Fisher River Cree Nation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Reconciliation. This is a key step to move forward together on the path of renewal and reconciliation based on the community’s goals and priorities.
Under this co-developed Memorandum of Understanding, the parties will work together to advance the First Nation’s vision of self-determination for the benefit of their community. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the next steps in the process and topics for discussions between the parties with a focus on self-government and strengthening the treaty relationship.
Quotes
“The signing of the MOU is viewed by our First Nation, and particularly our elders who’ve guided us through the process of reconciliation and self-determination, as the means to strengthen our government based on the guiding principles of the treaty with the spirit and intent which our forefathers envisioned. This signing is a show of commitment by the Federal Government that recognizes our commitment to implement fiscal and jurisdictional principles of self-government, and we are committed to moving forward in the implementation of the MOU in partnership with Canada. It is our hope that this provides a mechanism in fostering a meaningful relationship with the Province and other levels of government as that inclusive relationship would be critical in providing the opportunities to address longstanding issues in our community as we move forward.  We are committed to engage future development on this partnership ensuring fair, predictable, and consistent practices, in the interests of our people today and tomorrow.”  – Chief David Crate, Fisher River Cree Nation
“This Memorandum of Understanding with Fisher River Cree Nation is a key step forward in our shared journey toward reconciliation that will help make our treaty relationship stronger. The goal is to set the stage for self-government talks focused on moving away from the Indian Act and advancing the First Nation’s right to self-determination so they can map their own way to a brighter future based on community priorities.”  – The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P., Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Related Links
Fisher River Cree Nation
Associated Links
Exploring new ways of working together
Self-governmen
-3-
For more information, media may contact: 
Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Crown – Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
[email protected]
Jeremy Neault
Fisher River Cree Nation
204-308-1854
[email protected]
___________________________________________
Special thank you to elder Stan McKay for MC’ing the MOU Signing event and to Mary Crate  for the ceremony of blessing and prayers.
Downloads:
MOU – Fisher River Cree Nation