NDP Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“On behalf of all New Democrats, I want to wish everyone a happy National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Today, we join together to celebrate the unique contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. We recognize that the opportunities for Indigenous people to thrive are still limited by institutional barriers, a lack of federal action, and the devastating ongoing legacy of colonialism and genocide.

The government must listen to and work under the leadership of Indigenous communities to help them grow, thrive, and build a future for themselves. That works needs to start with the federal government implementing all of the Calls to Action from The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. These recommendations were made based on the experiences and insights of brave residential school survivors and the families of lost loved ones who came forward to share their stories. These voices cannot be ignored any longer.

Indigenous peoples were ignored when they spoke of lost loved ones at the hands of residential schools. The discoveries of unmarked grave sites outside former residential schools has been horrific and retraumatizing for many survivors and their communities. New Democrats will continue to urge the federal government to work with communities and law enforcement to ensure justice is delivered and that children can be returned home.

The government also has a lot of work to do to ensure Indigenous peoples have the infrastructure they need to tackle the worsening climate crisis and live healthy lives. The people of Neskantaga First Nation have reached a sad milestone. For 10,000 days the people in this community have lived under a boiled water advisory. This is a huge failure of the federal government—and sadly there are many other First Nations communities in similar situations. Everyone should have access to clean, safe drinking water.

New Democrats are committed to working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities to ensure that every Canadian child learns about our country’s history and about the incredible strength of Indigenous peoples who survived and endured. We will continue to honors the voices, histories and truths of Indigenous people in Canada.”