'This is an existential threat to our very existence as Indigenous people': Alderville First Nation chief

The chief of Alderville First Nation in Northumberland County says his main priority moving further into 2024 will be putting an end to the proposed federal bill, Bill C-53.

Taynar Simpson, Alderville First Nation’s chief, said this action is top of mind as he contemplates the months ahead for the Alderville First Nation community near Roseneath.

“For me, our top priority is to see the proposed federal Bill C-53 removed from parliamentary consideration,” Simpson told kawarthaNOW.

“This is not an act respecting Indigenous rights. It will erode and potentially lead to the end of Indigenous territory and treaty rights in Canada. So for us, this is an existential threat to our very existence as Indigenous people,” Simpson said.

According to the federal government, the intent of Bill C-53 is to recognize certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, provide a framework for the implementation of treaties entered into by those Métis governments and the Government of Canada, and make consequential amendments to other acts.

The chief is not alone in his concerns about the proposed bill. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is also calling on the government to quash Bill C-53.

In late 2023, Joanna Bernard — AFN’s interim national chief at the time — appeared before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs, calling on the Government of Canada to “immediately withdraw Bill C-53” and to establish a national consultation process with First Nations, an AFN media release noted.

“While the Government of Canada has stated that Bill C-53 will not adversely impact First Nations, it has failed to properly consult with First Nations and obtain the free, prior, and informed consent of First Nations rights holders in accordance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” the media release stated.

“We need to develop a respectful First Nations-led process that ensures all impacts of this legislation are thoroughly considered,” said Bernard.

When Chief Simpson considers priorities that are geographically closer to home, he has a few other objectives in mind when asked what he hopes to accomplish this year for and with the Alderville community.

“We have a lot of exciting projects on the go right now,” Simpson said. “We will be opening a new elders’ residence this year. We are also in the planning stages of building a new administration office.”

Alderville’s current building is over a century old, and the community has outgrown the space, he noted.

“We also have several new housing projects on the go to meet the needs of our growing community. We are excited to be bringing back community events such as winter socials, the fishing derby, and our regatta which used to be an annual event.”

kawarthaNOW asked the chief how Northumberland County as a government and the county’s residents can support Alderville’s objectives.

“The county has been receptive to our concerns,” Simpson said. “We feel that we can bring forward any issue for discussion. The local mayors have all reached out to Alderville to offer support wherever possible.”

“Individual residents can be strong allies of our nation,” he added. “We have seen a number of individuals step up to help our goals and strengthen our position. Everyone has their own set of skills and knowledge, and we welcome anyone who reaches out in a good way.”

When he envisions what would signify a successful year for him as chief, Simpson looks to the people of Alderville First Nations.

“To me, a successful year would be receiving the approval of our community on the new priorities and directions that leadership has undertaken,” he said. “I want to make sure that their priorities are my priorities. I also want to make sure that I have accomplished these endeavours to the very best of my ability.”

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Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, KawarthaNOW