HST resolution continued

The following is a continuation of a resolution raised by Chief Dean Sayers regarding Ontario's proposed HST.

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**************************** Therefore be it resolved that the Chiefs-in-Assembly:

1. Reaffirm our sovereignty as Nations as reflected in our treaty relationships with the Crown.

2. Declare that First Nations have never relinquished or surrendered their sovereignty or autonomy to the governments of France, Britain, Canada, or provincial governments.

3. Recognize and affirm that for Treaty peoples our immunity of provincial and Canadian taxes is derived from our rights as Indigenous Peoples, the spirit and intent of our treaties and not from the Indian Act.

4. Recognize and affirm a responsibility to protect the resources and rights of First Nation lands and its citizens.

5. Hereby oppose a system of taxation on its citizens or governments by other external governments, and also recognize and support other First Nations that oppose the HST.

6. Invite all First Nations to combine our efforts in protecting Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

7. Direct the Assembly of First Nations to urge Canada to honour First Nations rights to be consulted and accommodated on any Canadian tax legislation that may impact First Nations Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.

8. Direct the Assembly of First Nations to declare their support of First Nations Aboriginal and Treaty rights as it pertains to the imposition of taxation.

9. Direct the Assembly of First Nations to support and participate in any action plans or direct action strategies by First Nations that oppose the HST.

10. Eliminate any future discussions with other provinces regarding harmonization of taxation.

The resolution was brought forth by the Chief from Batchewana from the action plan in the First Nation’s campaign against the Harmonized Sales Tax.

Chief Dean Sayers spoke after the reading of the resolution, saying: “It is critical that we come together collectively to let Canada know that no longer will we stand for the erosion of our Treaty rights, inherent rights or human rights!”

The resolution was passed unanimously.

The AFN is the national organization of Canada that represents over 630 First Nation communities.

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