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Land sovereignty. What does it mean to a First Nation? How can it be achieved?

Chief Gerry Duquette Jr. leads his community of Dokis First Nation in Ontario. He has hands-on experience with Canada's flawed Additions-to-Reserve policy. There's a huge backlog of communities that have to get federal approval before adding lands to their reserves – even tiny parcels that could be added in hours, or even days – not decades as is often the case.

Chief Duquette sat down with host Richard Perry to share his concerns about the current ATR process and how it can be improved to the benefit of Nations.

LINKS:

Dokis First Nation

First Nation Lands Management Resource Centre

Additions-to-Reserve Policy Redesign (Canada)

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Phil Goulais has strong opinions about the need to radically redesign Canada's flawed Additions-to-Reserve policy.

He knows the process well. Goulais is a respected former chief of Nipping First Nation, Grand Chief of the Robinson-Huron Territory and former Indian Commissioner of Ontario.

He has seen first-hand how Nations are hindered, even blocked from adding critical new land to their reserves – land needed for economic growth, new housing, cultural protection and many other kinds of development.

He spoke with host Richard Perry about his connection to the land and how the federal ATR policy is failing First Nations communities.

LINKS:

Nippissing First Nation

First Nation Lands Management Resource Centre

Additions-to-Reserve Policy Redesign (Canada)

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Grand Chief Willie Charlie of Sta'ailes First Nation says a much faster Additions-to-Reserve process will help communities prosper.

He has seen the cost of long delays. Politicians have always promised to make ATRs go faster, but he says it's the bureaucracy at different levels that ruins the process.

He spoke recently with host Richard Perry. We apologize that the sound quality is less than optimal but the conversation is a definite must-listen!

LINKS:

Sts'ailes First Nation

First Nations Land Management Resource Centre

Additions-to-Reserve Policy Redesign (Canada)