Inuvik Mayor Clarence Wood has added his voice in support of the Inuvialuit Regional CorporationSA国际影视传媒檚 fight to implement its first law.
Wood penned the letter in support of Inuvialuit Qitunrariit Inuuniarnikkun Maligaksat, also known as the Inuvialuit Family Way of Living Law, to Premier Caroline Cochrane and Health Minister Julie Green on Aug. 3 and provided a copy of the letter to the Inuvik Drum.
SA国际影视传媒淭his law is a significant step towards recognizing and preserving the rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life of the Inuvialuit people, and I urge you to reconsider the governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 stance on this crucial matter,SA国际影视传媒� says the letter. SA国际影视传媒淚 believe that the Inuvialuit have the inherent right to govern their affairs and make decisions that impact their way of life. Their intimate knowledge of the land and its resources is unparalleled, and they are best suited to implement measures that balance conservation with sustainable resource management. By respecting their autonomy and supporting their self-governance, we are promoting a more inclusive and respectful approach to policymaking that honors the principles of reconciliation and indigenous rights.
SA国际影视传媒淔urthermore, the Inuvialuit Family Way of Living Law aligns with international commitments and agreements that Canada has entered into, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Upholding the rights of indigenous peoples and recognizing their traditional knowledge and practices is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative.SA国际影视传媒�
Passed in November 2021, the IRCSA国际影视传媒檚 first law follows the federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and M茅tis children, youth and families, which gives Indigenous and Inuit governments the right to exercise jurisdiction over childcare and family services, overruling provincial, territorial and federal law. The Quebec Supreme Court struck down two provisions in the act and the federal government appealed the decision in the Supreme Court of Canada. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories have joined Quebec as interveners. The court heard arguments from both sides on Dec. 8, 2022 and the IRC says itSA国际影视传媒檚 awaiting a decision, which could come SA国际影视传媒渁t any time.SA国际影视传媒�
Attorney General RJ Simpson has previously told media the reason for the NWTSA国际影视传媒檚 participating in the challenge is because of a language conflict between the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and M茅tis children, youth and families and the NWT Act, which requires the federal government to consult the NWT government on constitutional issues and also states that federal law overrules NWT law.
In his letter, Wood wrote the NWT was missing out on an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two parties.
SA国际影视传媒淭he Inuvialuit people have lived in harmony with the land, waters, and wildlife of the Northwest Territories for countless generations,SA国际影视传媒� says the letter. SA国际影视传媒淭heir profound connection to the natural world has sustained their communities, both physically and spiritually, while fostering a unique and invaluable cultural identity. The Inuvialuit Family Way of Living Law seeks to uphold and protect these traditional values, ensuring the continuation of their ancestral practices for future generations.
SA国际影视传媒淏y collaborating with the Inuvialuit community and actively engaging them in the decision-making process, the Government of the Northwest Territories has a unique opportunity to foster a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Together, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive future, where both cultural diversity and environmental conservation are valued and celebrated.
SA国际影视传媒淚, therefore, strongly urge you to reconsider the GovernmentSA国际影视传媒檚 opposition to the Inuvialuit Family Way of Living Law and actively work towards finding common ground and a collaborative solution. Let us seize this opportunity to advance the cause of indigenous rights and set an example for other jurisdictions across the country.SA国际影视传媒�
