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The FMA has made many First Nations relatively prosperous. An independent evaluation of the FMA concluded that is has produced “new infrastructure, increased own-source revenues, substantial economic development opportunities, improved financial management and governance” for participating First Nations.

We need to build on the success of the FMA approach. We need more independent revenues and more responsibilities that aren’t subject to the conditions of other governments. In other words, we want to take responsibility. The First Nations Summit, which represents First Nations in the B.C. Treaty process, has supported this approach. We need these revenues and authorities to have the same protections bestowed upon the provinces.

Now is the time to commit ourselves to creating protected First Nation powers and revenue authorities within the FMA. This would help complete Confederation and bring about reconciliation. It would reject the notion that indigenous people can’t govern themselves. It would provide an option to implement many recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It would provide a true nation-to-nation option.

As we enter the 150th year of Confederation, we are ready for the dawn of a new era for this country.

Harold Calla is a member of the Squamish Nation and the founding chairman of the First Nations Financial Management Board. C.T. (Manny) Jules is a member of the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc and the chief commissioner for the First Nations Tax Commission.

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