Romeo Saganash joins indigenous Members of Parliament calling for Langevin Block name change

OTTAWA- OTTAWA- NDP critic for Indigenous and Northern Affairs, MP Romeo Saganash (Abitibi – Baie-James – Nunavik – Eeyou), has signed a letter to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Services, asking that the Langevin Block be renamed.

The building was named after one of the Fathers of Confederation, Hector-Louis Langevin, a man who was also responsible for the creation and implementation of the Indian Residential School system in Canada. In 2008, Canada formally apologized for the Indian Residential Schools and recognized the tragedy that occurred and continues to occur due to ongoing intergenerational effects.

"An apology means nothing if action doesn't remedy the injustice." MP Saganash explained, "Every day at work, I am reminded of the man who dreamed up the school where I was sent, purposefully to sever my connection to my family and my nation."

The letter, signed by four multi-party Members, reminds the Prime Minister of his commitment to respect the monumental work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The request is also supported by the Assembly of First Nations, the Congress of Aboriginal People and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

"I would like Parliament to recognize that this is not a partisan request: this is an opportunity for collective action to take one more step towards a more complete telling of this nation's history." MP Saganash went on to say,"The 150th birthday of colonial Canada is a chance to begin dismantling the domination and exclusion of Indigenous Peoples."