Wood Mountain Lakota First Nation and Canada sign framework to advance reconciliation and build a renewed relationship
News release
August 2, 2022 — Ottawa, ON — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Chief Ellen B. LeCaine of the Wood Mountain Lakota First Nation signed a historic Framework Agreement that will guide Canada and the First Nation as they renew their nation-to-nation relationship and work to advance reconciliation.
The Framework Agreement to Advance Lakota Reconciliation with the Wood Mountain Lakota First Nation was co-developed by the First Nation and Canada through their Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination table, which has been ongoing since 2019.
The framework sets out a process for further collaborative dialogue between the parties. The goal is to work together toward negotiated arrangements to advance Lakota-Crown reconciliation, formally recognize a renewed relationship between the parties and help build a solid foundation for the First Nation to achieve its vision of self-determination based on community priorities. This includes working together on practical measures to close socio-economic gaps, recognize Lakota culture and history, promote new business partnerships, and move away from the Indian Act towards self-government.
Canada will continue working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to support the work of nation rebuilding and promote lasting and meaningful reconciliation for the benefit of Indigenous communities and all Canadians.
Quotes
“This framework agreement brings our people a small step towards true recognition by Canada of the Lakota’s place on our traditional lands and what our people have always known about our own history as Indigenous peoples of this land.”
Chief Ellen B. LeCaine
Wood Mountain Lakota First Nation
“This historic Agreement is the result of working in true partnership and marks a key milestone in our shared goal to advance reconciliation with the Wood Mountain Lakota First Nation. We look forward to continued dialogue to further advance the First Nation’s vision of self-determination and a better future for their community.”
The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
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Since 2019, the First Nation and the Government of Canada have been engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions.
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The Framework Agreement signed today sets out the process for continued dialogue and collaboration to co-develop a mandate for entering into formal reconciliation negotiations.
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A key goal of the discussions going forward is to find the common ground for negotiating an agreement of reconciliation – one that builds upon the recognition of the distinct historical relationship between the Wood Mountain Lakota First Nation and the Crown.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Renelle Arsenault
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
renelle.arsenault@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
CIRNAC Media Relations:
Email: RCAANC.Media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
Phone: 819-934-2302
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