Prominent Leaders Have Heady Goals for New Partnership
- EFN Staff | September 04, 2014
Well-known figures from a cross section of political, cultural and economic backgrounds have joined forces in a common cause to strengthen Canada through the creation of a new partnership between the Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians.
Canadians for a New Partnership (CFNP) was formally launched September 4th at a Declaration-signing ceremony, news conference and luncheon, attended by two former Prime Ministers, indigenous leaders, a former Supreme Court Justice and former Auditor General, Métis Elder Maria Campbell and Tony Belcourt among others. It is built on the principle that Indigenous and other Canadians can together build a strong economy and values-based society that will benefit present and future generations.
“CFNP’s overriding mission is to encourage public
and political goodwill, energy and commitment to achieving this goal,” said
CEO, former NWT premier Stephen Kakfwi. “I know all of us are excited and
determined to make a renewed and positive contribution to Aboriginal Peoples
and Canada.”
Two former prime ministers – the Right Hon. Joe
Clark and the Right. Hon. Paul Martin – are among those volunteering their time
and experience to the cause and a shared belief that a new partnership is possible.
“The unity of purpose among our members and
growing numbers of Canadians from all walks of life, including churches,
businesses, academia and the public service, tells me we can succeed, if we
base our approach on mutual respect and responsibility, mutual recognition of
our shared history and a genuine commitment to cooperation,” said Mr. Clark.
Mr. Martin said: “Too often we have made the
wrong choices or failed to deliver on the right ones. But we also know that –
notwithstanding this – there is common ground between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous people. We hold the same hopes and dreams for our children and
grandchildren. I know because I see it every day in the classroom. If the seeds
of agreement in this common ground are ever going to take root and grow, we
will have to restore trust and build a foundation of goodwill between all
Indigenous people and Canadians.”
Inuit leader Mary Simon, past president of Inuit
Tapiriit Kanatami, said: “When the first settlers came to our land, we welcomed
them. Indigenous people shared with newcomers to help them survive. Trade
relationships and alliances of friendship and peace flourished and solemn
treaties were signed. These are the values – and the partnership – that we are
trying to restore starting today. A partnership of equals, pledged to reconcile
historic wrongs, committed to mutual respect and dedicated to the eradication
of inequities.”
Former AFN National Chief Ovide Mercredi said:
“There is much to be gained by repairing relations between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous people – and much to be lost if we fail to reconcile our
differences. The Constitution enshrines our rights and the courts have
consistently upheld them. We are not going to go away and we are not going to
fade into the fabric of non-Aboriginal society. We can either develop the vast
potential of Canada together or we can continue the paralysis that flows from
misunderstanding, betrayal and neglect. There is no question which path this
Partnership chooses to travel. Our challenge to the rest of Canadians now is
‘come with us.’”
CFNP member Chelsea Vowel, a young Métis writer
and teacher, said the group’s focus on youth and emerging leaders is one of its
major strengths. “Creating a better future is not just about convincing the
existing powers and voters to change; it is also about listening to those whose
future you are discussing and ensuring they are involved in every facet of what
is being done.”
CFNP is committed to helping to generate the
conditions for change by: raising the profile of this critical issue through
multiple media formats; offering Canadians a compelling rationale and
opportunities for action that will ignite and sustain momentum towards
reconciliation and partnership; and demonstrating to governments and industry
the growing broad-based desire for such change.
Its members, who are all volunteers, will seek out others to add their signatures to theirs on a Declaration and attend speaking events, conferences and lecture series across Canada to promote our vision.