We are in the post-colonial era. The world has changed, and if Canada wants to retain a position of respect and influence in world affairs, Canada must change too. We cannot continue to advocate human rights to the third world while maintaining the remnants of a colonial system at home. We see a time when three orders of government will be in place, with Aboriginal governments exercising sovereign powers in their own sphere. Re-orienting Canadian society toward respect for Aboriginal autonomy is no threat to Canadians.
Aboriginal peoples have sophisticated perspectives on political relations with other peoples.
Our relations with Aboriginal peoples have been corrupted not by the inadequacy of indigenous cultures but by their subjection to an alien European value system bent on destroying their way of life. Aboriginal political systems are predicated on key values such as co-existence, sharing, balance, equity and harmony. These values provide a sound foundation for reconstructing a relationship respectful of the rights and responsibilities of both partners. Aboriginal peoples do not see recognition of their nationhood as a denial of the rights of other Canadians, let alone as challenging the sovereignty of the Canadian state. We do not see this as a threat to the Canadian state or Canadian people.