Chief Louise Nattawappio and Councillor Nigel Einish travelled to Ottawa on February 26 to testify before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) in support of Bill C-10, An Act respecting the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation.
Bill C-10 would establish an independent commissioner to oversee federal compliance with modern treaties — agreements that have been in place for decades but are often not implemented due to gaps in federal awareness and accountability.
Speaking to the committee, Chief Nattawappio described the ongoing challenge of educating federal officials about the Naskapi Nation’s status as a self-governing treaty holder, even when the obligations are clearly written into the agreement.
The Naskapi Nation holds a modern treaty under the Northeastern Québec Agreement. Like other modern treaty Nations, the Nation has faced delays and inconsistent follow-through from federal departments.
Bill C-10 passed second reading and was referred to INAN on February 9. It now continues through the committee review process.
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