Instead, the solution lies in recognizing and implementing first nations jurisdiction in regard to matrimonial property rights on first nations lands. Any solution adopted to address this issue must support, strengthen, and affirm the jurisdiction and law-making capacity of first nations, rather than perpetuate the colonial legacy of the Indian Act.
We anticipate that first nations will ultimately be the ones to create and enforce laws based on our traditions and customs in a way that acknowledges and accommodates human rights and indigenous rights—in other words, with a balance between collective and individual rights. In this regard, as Bev Jacobs of NWAC indicated, there has been a significant shortage of resources available for first nations to participate in discussions and dialogue on these issues, to draw on existing work and identify best practices, and to advance solutions to this very significant problem.
We'd also like to note that the Assembly of First Nations has been working with government through the implementation of a political accord that provides for the recognition and implementation of first nations governance. This is obviously a vehicle through which these talks could continue and be advanced, as they relate to jurisdictional matters.
As indicated by Bev Jacobs, we've been working with NWAC to find solutions to this problem, so there are other processes that we can continue to participate in to find solutions to these problems. We believe that the best way to achieve this is through cooperation with one another. In this regard, we would welcome an opportunity to work together with NWAC, the Government of Canada, and any other interested parties to find solutions to this very pressing problem.
Thank you.