Inherent, Aboriginal & Treaty Rights

SIGNIFICANCE

The Piikani have the right to access Piikani land without obstruction to harvest, thrive and live the Piikanissini Way Of Life.

ESSENTIAL

Piikani’s inherent right to claim, renew and celebrate cultural customs and practices must remain available for future generations. Piikani must ensure the language, keystone species, cultural ways, protocols and knowledge systems are protected through the totality of their rights.

PROPONENT

To Acknowledge & Respect:

• Piikani rights are inherently bestowed upon the Piikani by the Creator and are not dependent on external actor’s definition and regulation
• Piikani rights are Aboriginal and Treaty Rights which are enshrined in the Canadian Constitution under Section 35
• Piikani right to legal and regulatory processes that includes Piikani’s meaningful and adequate participation at all stages of provincial and federal regulatory processes is essential
• As policy acknowledging Piikani Rights arise from proposal to legislation, the Piikani will interpret these newly created and adopted policies to the benefit of Piikani People such as newly concluded case law and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous people
• Our theology despite differences from generally accepted non-indigenous perspectives and institutions
• Our involvement, evaluation, assessment, access, or right to exercise Piikanissini where regulatory process or permitting prohibits, excludes, or contradicts Piikanissini

PROTOCOL

Piikani inherent, aboriginal and treaty rights to access, live and thrive within our territories and land must be respected, accommodated, and equally regarded in all processes, deliberations, and benefits.