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Assembly of First Nations

AFN is an advocacy organization, taking direction and fulfilling mandates as directed by First Nations-in-Assembly through resolutions.

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Welcomes Landmark Court Ruling in Wolasotqey Nation Title Claim

Friday 29 November 2024 03:01 PM UTC+00 | Tags: press-release

(November 29, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak welcomed the landmark court ruling in the Wolastoqey Nation's ongoing title to claim their traditional lands and waters in New Brunswick. The New Brunswick Court of King's Bench confirmed that Aboriginal title can be declared over privately held lands.

"Justice Kathryn Gregory’s decision is an important step in affirming what the Wolasotqey Nation has always maintained, that they never surrendered their lands and waters when the Peace and Friendship Treaties were signed in the 18th century," said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. "This decision advances First Nations' inherent rights and sovereignty over their lands, as well as highlights the importance of honouring our treaties."

"We commend the Wolastoqey Nation for their determination and perseverance. This decision affirms and sets an important precedent for advancing justice and addressing land claims. It provides an opportunity to recognize First Nations' inherent rights and develop frameworks that address both historical and ongoing injustices. We urge the province of New Brunswick to respect this decision and work, in good faith, with the Wolastoqey Nation to implement it. Concrete actions are needed to uphold self-determination and affirm First Nations' jurisdiction over their lands which requires the collaboration of all levels of government," added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.

"This decision reaffirms our sovereignty, stewardship, and connection to these lands and waters as custodians since time immemorial," said AFN New Brunswick Regional Chief Joanna Bernard. "It sends a strong message that the Treaties we entered into with the Crown are binding agreements, grounded in mutual respect and the rule of law. It also honours the spirit of our people, who have carried forward the sacred responsibility of protecting the lands, waters, and our way of life. Moving forward, it is essential that the province of New Brunswick respects this decision and engages meaningfully with the Wolastoqey Nation."

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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.

Contact Information:

Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
jamiem@afn.ca
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)

Ayman Hammamieh
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
ahammamieh@afn.ca
343-573-1771 (mobile)

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