LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY BANDS OF ODAWA INDIANS

7500 ODAWA CIRCLE
HARBOR SPRINGS, MI 49740

DECLARATION 010613-01

LTBB Support for the First Nations of Canada
and the "Idle No More" Movement

A Declaration is a formal written public statement in support or opposition of an issue or matter. One or more Tribal Councilors may sign onto a Declaration as individual Councilors. A Declaration shall not obligate or commit the Tribal Council in any manner. Declarations do not require formal action by the Tribal Council.

The Waganakising Odawak is a Nation of Citizens with inherent sovereignty and right to self-governance;

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe under Public Law 103-324, and is a party to numerous Treaties with the United States the most recent of which being the Treaty of Washington of March 28, 1836 (7 Stat. 491) and the Treaty of Detroit of 1855 (11 Stat. 621);

According to LTBB's Constitution, Article I, Directive Principles, the Tribe shall protect from social injustice and all forms of exploitation;

Anishnaabe First Nations in Canada are at risk of injustice and exploitation as a result of recent legislation enacted by the Canadian Government;

LTBB believes the recent legislation enacted by the Canadian Government diminishes the sovereign authority of First Nations by diminishing protection for sacred lands and waterways in and around First Nations' lands;

This legislation was enacted without the input of, and consultation with, leaders of First Nations, which have a treaty relationship with the Crown;

Leaders and Citizens of First Nations in Canada, including Anishnaabek relations of the LTBB, have undertaken a social movement commonly referred to as "Idle No More," which is seeking to have the Canadian government honor treaty relations with First Nations and recognize their sovereign authority;

Citizens of the LTBB and other Michigan tribes have participated in the "Idle No More" movement and have expressed solidarity with Canadian First Nations;

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians expresses support for the First Nations in Canada, including those Anishnaabek bands, as they seek to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their Citizens from unauthorized development and extraction of their natural and cultural resources.

The undersigned Tribal Councilors declare their support of the efforts of Canadian First Nations, and their Citizens, as they seek a restoration of their sovereign rights and a strengthening of their nation-to-nation relationship with Canada.

A copy of this Declaration is on file at the Tribal Council Legislative Office.

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posted January 8, 2013 6:00 am est