A stronger First Nations partnership
One of my favourite conversations when I was hosting Growing Pains with David Campbell was with Chief Terry Richardson of the Pabineau First Nation (and his brother Jim).
It was an inspiring conversation.
The First Nation is working closely with partners across the northeast to further economic development in the region to the benefit of Indigenous and non-indigenous populations. One of the most important partnerships is with the Port of Belledune.
I think we need to find ways to strengthen the partnership between the First Nations and non-First Nations government and institutions. The First Nations and the New Brunswick government (and municipal governments) share the same geography, economic assets and opportunities.
In an upcoming episode of the Insights podcast, I asked former Premier Brian Gallant whether or not a First Nations representative should be included in the Cabinet of the Government of New Brunswick. You will have to listen to the episode to hear what he has to say on the matter but I think it is worth considering.
And I would extend that far more broadly. On community boards, decision-making bodies - any entity that makes decisions with a direct or indirect impact on the First Nations and Indigenous population across the province. Right now there is a ‘duty to consult’ somewhere in the process but I’m suggesting having representatives in on the front end.
I’m not suggesting this will be a panacea for the relationship. I realize there are deep, structural challenges that remain.
But we need to make incremental progress and this might be one way to start.