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Transitional Governance Project (TGP) Think Tank 2017

Why Aren’t We There Yet?

Introduction by Satsan

Satsan (Herb George) is one of the great speakers of the Wet’suwet’en people and a visionary crusader for the rights and title of First Nations in Canada. In this recorded presentation, learn about Satsan’s lifelong fight for and insights into Aboriginal rights in Canada. He explains how the fulfillment of those rights is now in the hands of First Nations peoples to achieve for themselves, by reclaiming their own laws and rebuilding their own governments outside the colonial legacy of the Indian Act.

The Inherent Right to Self-Government: Pre-Contact, Contact, Colonization, Confederation and the Present

Presentation by Chris Robertson and Jodi Bruhn

Chris Robertson from the Centre for First Nations Governance presents a historical timeline from pre-contact to the present day. He explains the history of nation-to-nation relations and important legislation that impacted First Nations sovereignty over time. Jodi Bruhn from Stratejuste Consulting draws attention to four legal cases resulting in pivotal changes in First Nations peoples’ fight for self-governance. Watch both speakers summarize the effects settler policies have had on First Nation jurisdiction.

From an Empty Box to a Full Box

Presentation by Kent McNeil

Kent McNeil, emeritus distinguished research professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, briefly describes the history of Indigenous peoples’ constitutional rights in Canada and explains the difference between inherent and contingent rights. He highlights the importance of Section 35 in the Canadian Constitution for First Nations while also stressing the ways successive Canadian governments have and continue to fail these communities in terms of self-government. Watch to learn about his suggestions on how First Nations can take a transitional approach to self-government based on their inherent right and expressing their own laws.

Lessons From Around the World

Presentation by Stephen Cornell

Stephen Cornell, professor of sociology and faculty chair of the Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona,Ìýdraws from his experience as an American researcher who has studied communities across the globe as they work to establish ways to self-govern after colonization. He offers frameworks and guidelines to consider when nation rebuilding. Watch to learn his suggestions for how First Nation communities in Canada can embrace the governance challenge.

Fiscal Relationships

Presentation by Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly

Dr. Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly from the University of Victoria summarizes key findings from . His research found policies that were newly implemented at the time had success in increasing First Nations’ knowledge of property tax administration and were helpful in maximizing their revenue sources. Watch Brunet-Jailly explain how property tax can be an effective tool of self-government.