CONFEDERACY OF NATIONS
Resolution no. 9  /2004
May 18, 19 & 20, 2004, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

WHEREAS the Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih (Hereditary Chiefs) own and are responsible for the lands, waters, and resources in their Ha-houlthee (territories); and 

WHEREAS the Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih and First Nations continue to try to negotiate just settlements with Canada and British Columbia regarding access to their sea resources; and 

WHEREAS eight Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations have initiated litigation against Canada and British Columbia to have the Title and Rights of their Ha’wiih to their sea and fisheries resources recognized and implemented in a meaningful manner; and 

WHEREAS Canada and British Columbia have suspended treaty and other negotiations in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner with these Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Assembly of First Nations recognizes the ownership and responsibility of Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih to their Ha-houlthee and resources within their territories; and 

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Assembly of First Nations provide political support to Nuu-chah-nulth Ha’wiih and First Nations in their efforts to control access to their aquatic resources; and 

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Assembly of First Nations inform the appropriate federal and provincial Ministers of the suspension of Nuu-chah-nulth negotiations, and recommend to the Ministers that they instruct their negotiators to return to negotiations on all issues with all Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations; and 

FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED that the Assembly of First Nations encourages all First Nations and organizations to support the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations with financial contributions toward the Nuu-chah-nulth fisheries litigation and supporting research, which successful completion will benefit all First Nations in Canada.