Inherent Rights Informed Voices

Episode 10 is a special edition of our podcast. We want to give back to the community and speak directly to you. Collecting your questions about First Nations inherent right to self-governance from across Canada, we’ve made sure to find specialists who can answer them across the country too. Host: Catherine MacQuarrie Guests: Douglas Sanderson, Dwayne Nashkawa, David Newhouse, Frances Abele, Mason...

Consultation and accommodation with First Nations communities is a legal duty under section 35 of the Canadian constitution. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples also emphasized the importance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent in decision making. In Episode 9 we’re exploring what it means to consult and accommodate from a First Nation perspective and prioritize Firs...

Dzawada’enuxw First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Lil’wat Nation, Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, Peg’pig’lha Council, and the Upper Nicola Syilx Nation. These are the First Nation community partners across Canada who are all collaborating with RFNG to further study and implement our inherent right to self-government. Last episode we discussed the importance of citizen engagement. In episode 8 we have...

The heart of the CFNG and RFNG is community. Our project is built on the importance of engagement to create Nation to Nation to Nation relationships. Through community-led analysis on the impact of Indian Act governance, new forms of governance structures based on a communities unique needs can be developed. In Episode 7, we’re exploring how we can engage our communities effectively. Host: Chris R...

Languages inspire. They connect. They create our sense of self and our sense of place. They make us who we are. Which is why we must fight to keep our traditional languages alive. In episode 6 our host and guests share deeply personal reflections on how important language is for personal identity, nation-rebuilding, and how youth and Elders play a vital role from a community practitioner perspecti...

The Canadian government has twice legislated the inherent right to self-government to recognize specific jurisdictions. One of those times was in 2019 with the passing of Bill C-92. For decades Indigenous voices had pushed for the right to control their own child and family services, and this Bill finally provides supports for that right. Episode 5 delves into Bill C-92 while exploring how some Fi...

Indigenous peoples across Canada have a long history of successfully challenging the courts, governments and the public to recognize their rights. In episode 4, we learn about successful government policy change regarding Aboriginal rights, and how nations can begin implementing their own policies as a step to reclaiming self-governance. Host: Dwayne NashkawaGuests: Catherine MacQuarrie, Frances A...

Have you ever wondered why and how Canada recognizes Indigenous rights? In episode 3, prepare to learn all about Section 35 – a short but important piece of Canada’s constitution that recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples across the country. Canada's constitutional obligation to protect these rights, paired with the country’s adoption of the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigen...

Indigenous governance can be a tricky concept to wrap your head around. Terms like self-determination, self-governance, inherent right to self-government, reconciliation, Section 35, are thrown around. But what do they actually mean? Episode 2 explores the key concepts of the inherent right to self-government. What does it mean for First Nations to be self-determining? And how does that shape reco...

“Where it all began…” Exploring the history of the Indian Act and the inherent right to self-government. Episode 1 covers how First Nation communities governed themselves successfully before the arrival of European settlers and how the introduction of colonial government and the Indian Act changed ways of life that had been practiced for millennia. Host: Catherine MacQuarrie Guests: Frances Abele,...

Get ready because... Our teaser episode has arrived! Hear the voices, insights, and stories of Nations reclaiming self-government all over the country. Are you interested in the Inherent Right to self-government, section 35, Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous rights? This podcast is for you. Covering all these topics and more, join us on the journey as we learn from multi-generations of informed vo...