Unelected Executives and Indigenous Rights: Who Really Holds the Power?

⚠️ Unelected Executives and Indigenous Rights: Who Really Holds the Power?

Today, Prime Minister Carney announced the creation of an Indigenous Advisory Council for the new Major Projects Office. Its stated purpose is to guide resource and infrastructure projects while ensuring that Section 35 rights and consultation obligations are upheld. ✅ On paper, this sounds like a step forward. But a closer look raises serious concerns. 😟

The Métis Nation Saskatchewan representative on this council is the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) — a corporate, unelected position. Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution exists to protect the inherent and constitutional rights of Indigenous peoples — that means the people themselves, not organizational executives with corporate titles. 👥

This raises an important question: Who truly speaks for Indigenous citizens when their land, resources, and rights are at stake? 🤔

Governance Issues Raising Red Flags 🚨

• Elected officials have been suspended.
• Citizens asking questions about governance have faced legal threats. ⚖️
• Some Indigenous citizens are being barred from attending meetings. 🚫

In other words, the people whose rights are being impacted may not even have a meaningful seat at the table, while unelected executives participate in critical decision-making. 😡

This is more than a procedural problem — it’s a question of accountability and justice. Section 35 exists to ensure informed, meaningful consultation with the people directly affected, not merely corporate representatives.

Questions Citizens Need to Ask ❗

• Who represents us at this table?
• Do they prioritize citizen rights over organizational or corporate interests?
• How can we ensure our voices are truly heard in decisions affecting our lands and communities?

The federal government also has a responsibility: these governance gaps cannot go unaddressed. The rights of citizens must be prioritized in real time, not just on paper. 📜

💡 If you care about Indigenous rights and transparency in governance, now is the time to pay attention, ask questions, and demand accountability. Because when citizens are silenced, rights are at risk. 🔥