Buffalo Treaty Meeting Dec. 2020

December 11, 2020 @ 10 am to 12:30 pm Mountain Time

If you would like to receive the zoom recording of the meeting, please send an email to info @ buffalotreaty.com

AGENDA

1. Opening prayer and Welcome

2. USA and Canada framework

Canada: The Government of Canada continues to work toward its ambitious target of protecting 25 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2025, working toward 30 per cent by 2030. Through the High Ambition Coalition, we join over 30 like-minded countries that will advocate internationally for a global 30 per cent conservation target by 2030. We will work with other countries toward the adoption of new ambitious global biodiversity targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity at the 15th Conference of Parties in Kunming, China in 2021. At home, Canada is working together with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, environmental organizations and industry to advance conservation on Canada’s lands and waters.

AFN call on Government of Canada to ensure that First Nations are involved in all aspects of biodiversity conservation, both in Canada and internationally, in a manner that promotes and respects First Nations inherent, Treaty and constitutionally -protected right, along with adequate funding, consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

There is an opportunity for Indian Reserves to benefit from and contribute to these national and global conservation goals.

USA: On Day 1, Biden may also begin building on the Obama-Biden Administration’s historic conservation efforts by issuing an executive order to conserve 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030, focusing on the most ecologically important lands and waters. His administration will work with tribal governments and Congress to protect sacred sites and public lands and waters with high conservation and cultural values. And, he will provide tribes with a greater role in the care and management of public lands that are of cultural significance to Tribal Nations.

Investing in the infrastructure needed for food production and processing in Indian Country. Tribes do not have sufficient capital to invest in food production and processing infrastructure, locking them out of tremendous economic opportunities as well as the ability to better provide for local nutritional needs. Biden will invest in the infrastructure needed for food processing, packaging, and storage.

2.1. Send letter to PM Trudeau and President elect Biden’s administrations on behalf of the Buffalo Treaty to ensure the participation of the Buffalo in this goal.

3. Inter-Tribal Buffalo Herd concept and conversations for USA and Canada

4. Yellowstone bison hunting update

5. Research update

6. Open to all Nations/Tribes Buffalo updates

7. Closing and next call will be in late January “Buffalo Treaty Welcome" for New Chiefs and Councils and new Signatories.