Professional Documents
Culture Documents
URGENT
BY EMAIL
Pierre Nepton
Regional Associate Director General
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Place Jacques-Cartier Complex
320 St. Joseph Street East
Suite 400
Quebec, Quebec
G1K 9J2
This letter is regarding the notice issued on August 13, 2010, by Bob Norton declaring a new
Council by acclamation following the August 12, 2010, nomination meeting of which there were
fewer than 10 participants. Please be advised, that I continue to stand with the community
against the imposition of Section 74 of the Indian Act which would unconstitutional abolish our
Anishnabe Onakinakewin - Customary Governance. Accordingly, please accept this letter as
confirmation that I do not accept my nomination to the position of Chief under this process nor
do I recognize the decision made by Mr. Norton in his correspondence of August 13, 2010.
Again, several members of our First Nation were present to demonstrate their opposition to the
process initiated by the Department of Indian Affairs. I am in agreement with our Elders that it
will cause serious harm to the social fabric of our community. As you are aware, we are in the
process of developing a community-based solution to the internal matters of our community
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with respect to our Anishnabe Onakinakewin. With the guidance of our Elders, a new
generation has taken a stand to resolve these issues while also opposing the process initiated
by the Department of Indian Affairs. We will see to our own well-being, as Anishnabe. We will
not surrender our rights nor will we allow the Department of Indian Affairs to do away with our
Customary selection process.
In closing, we urge your Department to respect the reconciliation process and renewed
dialogue that has been taking place within our First Nation.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Casey Ratt
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