Native leader: Assisted suicide is not part of our system of life.

By Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director - Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Francois Paulette

Francois Paulette, the Dene Nation Elders Council Chair told Rachel Zeiniker from CBC news that:

"Traditionally, that (assusted death) is not part of our system of life," 

"We have a very high standard of looking after our people that are sick."

Paulette said that the indigenous perspective has been left out of the assisted death debate. He told CBC:

I think the leadership really needs to get on top of this and find a way for indigenous people to have a seat at the table so legislation respects and honours the UN Declaration of Indigenous People's Rights and treaty rights. 

I hope either the federal or territorial government provides assistance and money to bring leaders together.

Paulette hopes that the guidelines will be "respectful of traditional values and principles." 

The concerns of the native community, the disability community and minority communities have so far been ignored in the quest to impose euthanasia and assisted suicide upon Canadia.

The N.W.T. government has begun to solicit opinions from people in the territory. It has sent letters to stakeholders, and is accepting public feedback on its website until Monday, Feb. 15.