ARTICLES BY Matthew Coon Come

Why Bill C-51 is a threat to Aboriginal rights

In January, the federal government tabled Bill C-51, the Anti-terrorism Act, 2015. The bill has generated widespread uncertainty and concern. It fails to safeguard the dignity, human rights and security of Indigenous peoples and individuals. It is inconsistent with good governance. The bill would allow federal judges to grant Canada’s spy ... read more ››

Setting the record straight on the JBNQA

On November 13, 2014, 40 years after the signing of the Agreement in Principle leading to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), Chiefs of the Innu, Attikamekw Nations and certain Anishinaabe communities announced the formation of a coalition to defend the Aboriginal title and rights they claim were ... read more ››

Canada fails at WCIP

The historic two-day World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) began September 22 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. I and other Indigenous leaders attended with heads of government, ambassadors and ministers to witness and contribute to a new chapter of our history. We went to celebrate Indigenous ... read more ››

Grand Chief on Idle No More’s real meaning

Aboriginal peoples’ protests have dominated the Canadian media over the past few months. It is winter, it is cold, and yet Indigenous people of all nations and ages are gathering in the rain and snow in unprecedented numbers, all across this country, under the brave descriptive banner of Idle No ... read more ››