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October 19th, 2019

Statement on the Hunger Strike in Kanesatake

Statement by NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh following his phone conversation with Ellen Gabriel of the Mohawk community of Kanesatake:

“Tuesday evening, I had the opportunity to speak with Ellen Gabriel about land protection actions being undertaken by the Kanesatake Longhouse. She shared with me an update on the situation in Kanesatake and the reasons behind the hunger strike that is currently taking place in her community.

All parties, including Oka's mayor, agree that the federal government must help to resolve the current situation by respecting their constitutional obligations, including wampum commitments and international commitments to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

I committed to visiting her at the Longhouse, and I invite all other leaders to do the same. The next government will have to begin negotiations with the entire community to address the stalemate as well as the roots of this situation that has gone on for too long. Reconciliation and a true nation-to-nation relationship are not just words; they require work, and I am willing to do it.”