Concerns Around Repeal of Section 67
Monday, January 31, 2011 at 15:59
First Nations leaders and members from this province as well as those neighbouring are meeting in Saskatoon today to discuss possible implications of the repeal of Section 67, which gives on-reserve First Nations access to the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice-Chief Morley Watson says many leaders expressed concern that there are no extra dollars to deal with implementing this new legislation.
Watson says there is also a question of jurisdiction – some wonder if First Nations should have their own tribunals within the Human Rights Act so they can address their own issues.
During breakout sessions, forum delegates raised other concerns, such as how do customary laws work with Canadian laws, and some of the human rights issues people would like to see addressed: nepotism, housing and how it relates to membership and citizenship, and equal pay for men and women.