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Canada itself has been the greatest barrier to progress on self-determination and now needs the help of Indigenous leaders to “reorient” itself in a new direction, she said.

“How do we, as Canada, make sure that we are held accountable for the agreements we have signed and for our honour of the Crown in upholding the inherent and treaty rights which are yours from time immemorial?” Bennett said.

The chiefs from across the country re-elected National Chief Perry Bellegarde to a second term on Wednesday.

Bellegarde and his four challengers said in speeches before the election that the status quo based on a colonial approach cannot continue, and Bennett acknowledged their concerns in her own speech, saying it’s time for change that ensures First Nations can’t be taken backwards by future governments.

“We have to move from what was an approach of Canada, of a denial of rights, where you had to claim your rights and go to court to prove your rights, into a recognition of your rights straight off,” she said.

Recognizing the implementation of Indigenous rights should inspire all Canadians and stand as a badge of honour, she said, adding it should be as important as medicare and the charter.

The minister also addressed claims raised Wednesday by some of the leadership candidates of election interference because she attended the assembly before the vote and met with an Alberta chief.

“I have to say I certainly had no intention of upsetting people by accepting an invitation of a newly elected regional chief to hear from the chiefs in her region about their urgent concerns,” Bennett said, referring to Chief Marlene Poitras.