Maintaining Traditional Governance

With Canada’s half-hearted endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples looming in the background, Algonquins in Quebec are challenging Ottawa to abandon Department of Indian Affairs imposed elections, which they claim cause harm to their social fabric. Insisting on their rights under the Canadian constitution as well as international law, the Anishnabe are determined to maintain their customary leadership selection process. With the backing of Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo, the Algonquin are fighting what they view as a federal strategy to seize their traditional territory and resources through imposed native governments.