Chiefs got down to business on the third day of the Assembly of First Nations gathering in Winnipeg.
Several resolutions were passed including the need to develop a First Nations education bill that wasn’t based on the federal government’s terms.
One chief voiced opposition to the resolution, however, saying he was worried the bill would give government too much control over the finances surrounding First Nations education.
“The government will take a huge chunk for administration. By the time it trickles down to First Nations, there will be nothing to show for it,” he said.
Another resolution called for families to be recognized first when it comes to an inquiry on missing and murdered Aboriginal women.
The resolution stated, “Any roundtable must listen to the families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women.”
“It (the roundtable) can’t just be one day,” said one of the female delegates addressing the audience from the floor.
The assembly then tackled the issue of natural resource development, calling for a report to be tabled at the assembly by the summer of next year.
Chief Reg Bellerose of the Muskowekwan First Nation says a market share strategy should also be developed.
“It’s a tough nut to crack, how to get a share of that market,” he said.
The resolution called for new National Chief Perry Bellegarde to meet with government leaders and communicate the urgency of supporting development of natural resources and First Nations full involvement in the economy.
In the end, the resolution passed easily with no opposition, save for a woman from the audience who loudly protested her opposition to resource development.