Dear Minister Anandasangaree:
On December 2nd, 2024, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB) met with your representatives as well as Chief Evan Taypotat and Councillor William Kaysaywaysemat from Kahkewistahaw First Nation to discuss the recent report on the economic impacts of specific claims.
During the conversation, Board members, along with Chief Taypotat, Councillor Kaysaywaysemat, and CIRNAC representatives deliberated on various recommendations related to the promotion of specific claims and the positive impacts of claim settlements not only for First Nations communities in Canada, but also the benefits derived by regional economies.
As you will agree, educating the public is critical to understanding specific claims settlements and their positive economic impacts for not only First Nations, but for the regions-at-large. This education must also reach those directly affected by specific claims settlements – First Nations, governments and neighbouring communities. The Board calls on CIRNAC to develop educational tools and materials to articulate the positive economic impact of specific claims settlements to government officials and broader audiences, including First Nations.
The effective implementation of the specific claims process also requires effective management of settlement funds. Given CIRNAC’s mandate to enable Indigenous peoples to build capacity and advance towards self-determination, the Board recommends the sharing of leading practices for managing settlement funds, including trusts and long-term investments, to enhance economic self-sufficiency. Perhaps the First Nations Financial Management Board can assist with this objective.
In addition to promoting leading practices for the efficient use of settlement funds, financial literacy training is crucial to understanding the importance of managing settlement funds for the long-term. As such, the Board calls on CIRNAC to support financial literacy training for First Nation members.
The Government of Canada has acknowledged its responsibility to address colonialism’s lasting impacts and the role of claim settlements in reconciliation. To support this, it must provide education on the claims process, financial literacy, and best practices for using settlement funds, ensuring First Nations are equipped to pursue self-sufficiency and self-determination.
Thank you for your immediate and important consideration of the recommendations articulated within this letter. The Board appreciates your commitment to engage in on-going discussions on this important topic and we look forward to meeting again to hear an update on the implementation of these recommendations.
Respectfully,
Dawn Madahbee Leach
Chairperson, National Indigenous Economic Development Board