Chief Lloyd Phillips and Quebec Chiefs to meet with Prime Minister and Cabinet

01/23/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform the community that Chief Lloyd Phillips will be part of a group of twelve delegates from the Quebec region who will meet tomorrow (24 Tsothohrkó:wa/January) with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Cabinet.

First Nations representatives from across the country will be attending the all-day Crown/First Nations Gathering “Strengthening Our Relationship – Unlocking Our Economic Potential,” which will be held on Parliament Hill.

Governor-General David Johnston, Prime Minister Harper and Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn Atleo are scheduled to give opening addresses. The agenda will include the Government of Canada’s Progress Report; Unlocking the Potential of First Nations Economies; Strengthening the Relationship and Enabling Opportunity; and Realizing the Promise of First Nations People.  

“My message will be clear,” said Chief Phillips. “Canada and the Crown must honor their responsibilities for First nations by recognizing our rights and jurisdictions. More specifically to Kahnawà:ke, we are developing our own laws and justice system – Canada must remove its imposition and engage in meaningful dialogue based on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Two Row Wampum.”

Chief Phillips, who represents the MCK at both AFN and Assembly of First Nations of Quebec & Labrador meetings, will return to the office on Wednesday.