b'LANDS AND RESOURCESIn 2019, the AFN carried out nine regional dialogue sessions with First Nations and accepted written submissions, asking what an independent specific claims process should look like. Its no secret. First Nations and their representative organizations again echoed the concern that the existing process represents a fundamental Many of us are struggling with drugs imbalance and implicitly sanctionsinequality, perpetuates injustice and maintains a colonial relationship based on an such as meth and pain killers. imbalance of power.2 Further, incremental changes to the But support is closer than you may think. existing system are not acceptable.3 One of the key counterpoints raised by defenders of the existing process is that the Specific Claims Tribunal ensures independence. The newBut while the Tribunal was a positive step forward, it only Thunderbirdresponds to one element of independenceadjudicationand Wellness does not address claims outside the Tribunals jurisdiction. The app provides aTribunal is also inherently limited by a financial cap imposed by connection tothe Crown.cultural strengthsThere have been over 50 different reports and official statements, and the latestincluding by Canadas own institutions, which identify the evidence at yourconflict of interest within the specific claims process as the fingertips. Its interactive quizzesprimary impediment to achieving resolution and justice. The can help you trackcurrent effort by AFN is only the latest of many, and unless it and share yourresults in something approaching the minimum standard laid out progress towardin the UN Declaration, there are sure to be several more inwellness. the future. Reconciliation demands that First Nations and Canadians stand together and echo a call that has been made for over 80 years and establish a fair and independent process to resolve outstanding First Nations claims against the Crown.1 Supreme Court of Canada jurisprudence has begun to articulate the honour of theShare your thoughts and experiences. Crown doctrine and its continuous applications [I]n all its dealings with Aboriginal peoples, from the assertion of sovereignty to the resolution of claims and the Take a short survey and help Thunderbird promote betterimplementation of treaties, the Crown must act honourably. Further, as a core understanding of the opioid and meth crisis, and advocate precept that finds its application in concrete practices and gives rise to different for improved resources for prevention and treatment.duties in different circumstances (Haida Nation v. British Columbia (Minister of Forests), [2004] 3 S.C.R. 511 at paras. 16-18). Further, it is not a cause of action Access the survey through the Thunderbird Wellness App, itself; rather, it speaks to how obligations that attract it must be fulfilled including, or the following QR codes and links: fiduciary obligations, treaty-making, treaty interpretation and treaty and statutory obligations (Manitoba Mtis Federation v. Canada (Attorney General), 2013SCC ADULT SURVEY (18+) YOUTH SURVEY (17 & UNDER) 14 at paras.36, 73). Such treaty and statutory obligations are the domain of the Specific Claims Policy and Specific Claims Tribunal Act, S.C.2008, c. 22.2 Ibid., p. 7. Similar undermining efforts were expressed by the Algonquin NationSecretariat, December 12, 2019, at p. 2.3 Anishinabek Nation, para. 7. thunderbirdpf.org/ thunderbirdpf.org/FNOpioidMethSurvey_Adult FNOpioidMethSurvey_YouthFirst Nations communities interested in taking the survey as a group, can contact us at research@thunderbirdpf.org.Capacity Forest Management Ltd.Results can help you address the issue at the local level.Working with First Nations in all aspectsof Forest Management:Treaty negotiationsGovernment to government agreements@thunderbirdpf Forest tenure negotiations and agreements Full scope tenure management, through to free growing#ThunderbirdWellness Economic development servicesThe newest resource from Canadas leading voice on Training and mentoringIndigenous substance use and mental health issues. SFI certificationThe Thunderbird Wellness app requires Wi-Fi to download, but has offline Larry Fedorkie, Presidentcontent in areas with poor internet access.250-287-2120www.capfor.ca54 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'