It was an honour to meet with former Assembly of First Nations National Chiefs Ovide Mercredi and Matthew Coon Come, two respected First Nations leaders whose work has helped advance national discussions on self-government, self-determination, treaty rights, and Nation rebuilding across Turtle Island. Both leaders shared perspectives on the importance of strengthening First Nations governance, protecting lands and resources, and ensuring that future generations continue to exercise their inherent rights as Nations.
Our discussion also included Ovide Mercredi’s influential book In the Rapids: Navigating the Future of First Nations, which promotes the inherent right of First Nations to govern themselves, protect their cultures, languages, and territories, and determine their own futures. The conversation reinforced that the survival and prosperity of First Nations depends upon strong leadership, cultural continuity, self-determination, and rebuilding Nation-to-Nation relationships based on respect, responsibility, and recognition of First Nations sovereignty throughout Turtle Island.
Kiniw Management 