Report of the Indigenous Nations Roundtable January 16-17, 2023 Final

The results of the Indigenous Nations Roundtable can inform opportunities for the IJC and the IRRWB to explore new models for partnership and collaboration with First Nations, Red River Métis, and Tribal Nations with rights in respect to the management of the Red River Watershed. [...] Participants emphasized that the lack of funding for participation negatively impacts inclusion and the effectiveness of the functioning of both the IRRWB and the IJC. [...] Panel of Experts from the Tribal Nations, the Red River Métis, and the First Nations Experts shared priorities and concerns of the First Nations, the Red River Métis and the Tribal Nations in respect to the protection and management of the Red River Watershed Basin. [...] Further, participants noted the historic role of the IJC in failing to uphold the rights of Indigenous 5 Peoples on both sides of the border, and the need for a firm commitment to address Indigenous Peoples’ concerns. [...] Recommendations The following recommendations to the IRRWB and the IJC have been identified based on the dialogue that took place: § Reference historic Treaty promises; and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (which underscores the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their traditional territories) on an ongoing basis to inform their work.