Inherent Rights Informed Voices

The Duty to Consult and Accommodate: Prioritizing First Nations’ Self-Governance in Decision-Making

Consultation and accommodation with First Nations communities is a legal duty under section 35 of the Canadian constitution. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples also emphasized the importance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent in decision making. In Episode 9 we’re exploring what it means to consult and accommodate from a First Nation perspective and prioritize First Nations’ self-governance in the decision-making process. Host: Serena Smith Guests: Giuseppe Amatulli, Valérie Courtois, Shona Nelson Producer: Emma Fazakas Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme Music Courtesy of: Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay Morning Coffe by Ogi Feel the Beat on Pixabay

Community Change Champions: A Conversation with our Community Partners

Dzawada’enuxw First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Lil’wat Nation, Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, Peg’pig’lha Council, and the Upper Nicola Syilx Nation. These are the First Nation community partners across Canada who are all collaborating with RFNG to further study and implement our inherent right to self-government. Last episode we discussed the importance of citizen engagement. In episode 8 we have the opportunity to learn about the personal experiences of those citizens, particularly, those who act as community change champions. Host: Mason Ducharme Guests: Colette Sunday, Ernest Armann, Dwayne Nashkawa Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme Producer: Emma Fazakas Music Courtesy of: Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

Citizen Engagement: A path from the Indian Act to the Inherent-Right to Self-Government

The heart of the CFNG and RFNG is community. Our project is built on the importance of engagement to create Nation to Nation to Nation relationships. Through community-led analysis on the impact of Indian Act governance, new forms of governance structures based on a communities unique needs can be developed. In Episode 7, we’re exploring how we can engage our communities effectively. Host: Chris Robertson Guests: Sonia Leo, Pawa Haiyupis Producer: Emma Fazakas Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme Music Courtesy of: Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay Morning Coffe by Ogi feel the Beat on Pixabay

Traditional Language and Nation Rebuilding: The Missing Link

Languages inspire. They connect. They create our sense of self and our sense of place. They make us who we are. Which is why we must fight to keep our traditional languages alive. In episode 6 our host and guests share deeply personal reflections on how important language is for personal identity, nation-rebuilding, and how youth and Elders play a vital role from a community practitioner perspective. Host: Mason Ducharme Guests: Sonia Leo Lexlixatkwa7 Nelson Producer: Emma Fazakas Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme Music Courtesy of: Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

Self-Government in Action with Bill C-92: Indigenous Laws for Our Children

The Canadian government has twice legislated the inherent right to self-government to recognize specific jurisdictions. One of those times was in 2019 with the passing of Bill C-92. For decades Indigenous voices had pushed for the right to control their own child and family services, and this Bill finally provides supports for that right. Episode 5 delves into Bill C-92 while exploring how some First Nations’ have been structuring their own child and family laws. Host: Nathan Oakes Guest: Mason Ducharme Producer: Emma Fazakas Executive Producers: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme Music courtesy of:Constitution Song by The Spiritual WarriorsInquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay