Opinion: Land Issues Are Central to Indigenous Economic Development

Article content

On the eve of Great Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec It seems essential to us to remind the Legault government that economic development and land problems are closely related. Each and every initiative to support a sustainable economy for our First Nations must create space for the inevitable and long-awaited discussion on land. The only way First Nations will truly and fully participate in the Quebec economy is for these discussions to take place openly and honestly. This is necessary for First Nations communities to flourish and prosper, just as non-indigenous communities can, and do, in Quebec.

Article content

In a few days, elected officials, representatives of First Nations and Québec businesses, as well as civil society, will meet to discuss ways to accelerate the economic growth of our nations, which have remained on the sidelines of development in Québec for over a period of time. too much time. We want to thank all the companies and organizations that have committed to participate in this exercise and that are demonstrating concrete commitments to the full participation of Indigenous Peoples in the economy.

The context in which our peoples currently find themselves requires a radical change, in particular to eliminate the enormous gap that separates the living conditions of Indigenous Peoples from those of the general population of the province. To achieve this “change of course” that we must collectively make, we must address several issues that are often hidden, such as the housing crisis in our communities, the unemployment rate that is three times higher for our populations and the difficulty of access . to the financing of our entrepreneurs.

Article content

And since economic development is inextricably linked to our socioeconomic future, we have to talk about land!

We would like to remind Quebecers of this today, because too often we have experienced these kinds of meetings in which the Quebec government tried to avoid acknowledging the inextricable link between our lands and the socio-economic development of our communities.

Beyond the opportunity presented by this great economic event, it is fundamental for us to reiterate our determination that our rights, our ancestral territories and our self-government are respected. The heads of AFNQL have sent Prime Minister François Legault the text of a statement reminding the government of Quebec of the principles shared by the heads on the question of land and resources and on the approach to their development. The leaders ask that the government of the Avenir Québec Coalition take into account and respect this declaration. The fundamental principles that should guide the relationship between our governments and that of Quebec are clear:

Article content

The Great Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec event will be a great opportunity for the Legault government to distinguish itself from its predecessors by showing political courage in addressing issues that concern our ancestral lands and resources. If Quebec enjoys an economic status that may be the envy of other governments, it is largely due to the exploitation of resources on our lands. Isn’t it about time First Nations enjoyed the same opportunities?

Ghislain Picard is the head of the Quebec Labrador Assembly of First Nations. He writes on behalf of the heads of AFNQL. the Great Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec takes place on Thursdays and Fridays in Montreal.