‘We stand with Standing Rock’: New Democrats send clear message to Indigenous communities fighting for fairness

Romeo Saganash says protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline should be a wakeup call

New Democrat Members of Parliament have sent a clear message that many Canadians stand with Standing Rock, the Native American community fighting to protect their land and their environment against the Dakota Access Pipeline. 



"It is important for Canadians to send a clear message to the people of Standing Rock that we stand in solidarity with them and all Indigenous People. Standing Rock should be a wakeup call to all governments that Indigenous rights are internationally protected and that Indigenous Peoples must be respected."
- Romeo Saganash, NDP Indigenous and Northern Affairs Critic.

Romeo Saganash has introduced legislation in Parliament to implement the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples in Canadian law. Saganash spent 23 years at the United Nations negotiating the Declaration which was endorsed by Canada in 2010.

"This proud Sioux community has inspired many Indigenous people across Canada and many other Canadians in the fight for fairness. The Youth Unity Journey for Sacred Waters group have started their walk from Stanley Mission, in my riding, to Standing Rock to stand in solidarity with the peaceful protesters."
- Georgina Jolibois, NDP Deputy Indigenous and Northern Affairs Critic.

NDP MPs Fin Donnelly, Niki Ashton, Cheryl Hardcastle, Brigitte Sansoucy, Sheila Malcolmson and Sheri Benson stood in support of their colleagues in their call to support Indigenous People in their right to protect their land and resources. The show of solidarity by New Democrats is part of a worldwide 5-day campaign of solidarity with Standing Rock.