FSIN Regional Chief Bobby Cameron met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on June 2 to reaffirm the Treaty relationship between First Nations and the Crown.
The two also discussed Treaty implementation and First Nations jurisdiction, among other items.
“The Treaty relationship did not end with the signing of the Treaties,” Cameron said in a press release. “It is a living relationship that continues today.
“As First Nations, we continue to assert our Treaty rights and jurisdiction and expect all governments to uphold their obligations in a manner consistent with the Honour of the Crown.”
The meeting between King Charles and the FSIN Chief comes on the 150th anniversary of Treaty No. 6. The FSIN said that’s a historic milestone that gives residents a chance to reflect on the promises made between First Nations and the Crown, and how that impacts people today.
FSIN Regional Chief Bobby Cameron shakes hands with King George III during a meeting in London.
“Treaties are sacred agreements entered into by our ancestors and the Crown,” Cameron said. “They are nation-to-nation agreements that recognize our inherent rights, our sovereignty, and our jurisdiction as First Nations peoples.
“Today’s meeting reaffirmed the importance of honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty and ensuring that future generations benefit from the promises made by our ancestors.”
Cameron was one of several Canadian First Nations leaders who met with King Charles in London. Representatives from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) also met with the King, along with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said the leaders communicated the importance of the international status of Crown and First Nations treaties.
“No third party can interfere or change the sacred Treaty relationship or change how First Nations choose to relate to Canada or to the Crown,” Woodhouse Nepinak said in a press release. “We are grateful to His Majesty for the opportunity to meet him.
“First Nations have always been honourable Treaty partners. We look forward to an ongoing relationship grounded in Treaty, as well as free prior and informed consent and the right to self-determination>”
The delegation also included AFN New Brunswick Regional Chief Joanna Bernard, Manitoba Regional Chief Willie Moore, Northwest Territories Regional Chief George Mackenzie, and Yukon Regional Chief Math’ieya Alatini.
