July 16, 17 & 18, 2002
Kahnawake, Quebec
|
SUBJECT: |
BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY BORDER CROSSING ISSUES |
|
MOVER: |
Chief Peter Strikes with a Gun, Piikani Nation, AB |
|
SECONDER: |
Chief Raymond Mitchell, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, ON |
|
DECISION: |
Carried – see resolution # 16/2002 |
WHEREAS the Blackfoot Confederacy has existed since time immemorial and is comprised of the Piikani Nation, Siksika Nation, Blood Tribe and Blackfeet Tribe (Montana, USA) which have recently renewed their commitment to each other in the (Blackfoot Declaration) OOKAWA SIKSIKAITSIITAPIWA OTOOKUKST’SIMAN; and
WHEREAS the Blackfoot Confederacy’s Traditional Territory is bounded on the North by the North Saskatchewan River, on the South by the Yellowstone River, on the east by the Confluence of the North and the South Saskatchewan Rivers and on the West by the Continental divide, this said territory has been unilaterally and arbitrarily divided by the international border of the United States of America and Canada without our consent; and
WHEREAS many aspects of our spiritual and religious being continue to be desecrated and disrespected despite repeated attempts to educate personnel employed by the Governments of Canada and the United States, which said personnel mishandle and confiscate head dresses, eagle feathers, sacred bundles and other Spiritual and Religious items against our wishes; and
WHEREAS many of our brothers and sisters throughout Canada and the United States of America find themselves in identical or similar circumstances, including but not limited to the Mohawks of Akwesasne, Mohawks of Kahnawake, the Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, the Big Cove First Nation, the Shubenacadie First Nation, the Oosoyoos First Nation, and many other First Nations who live in close proximity to the border; and
WHEREAS the Assembly of First Nations passed resolutions No. 28/2001 at the Annual General Assembly held in Halifax, NS, July 17-19, 2001 which deals directly and specifically with the Border Crossing Issue.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Assembly of First Nations supports the Mohawks of Akwesasne, the Blackfoot Confederacy and all First Nations in their efforts to establish a process for First Nations to deal with the Border Crossing Issue; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Assembly of First Nations supports the Blackfoot Confederacy to host an international conference and a round table discussion on the Border Crossing Issue which will be funded by the Blackfoot Confederacy immediately before the next Annual General Assembly and directs the staff of the Assembly of First Nations to liaise with the Blackfoot Confederacy to help facilitate and organize the said conference.