Please read the following statement from Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, recognising the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples:
“Today is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and I am proud to celebrate Indigenous identities and cultures. Indigenous people have unique knowledge systems and are stewards of Mother Earth, often putting their bodies and lives at risk to defend the planet.
This year’s celebration focuses on protecting the rights of the 200 groups of Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation and initial contact. By encroaching into their territories for resources and developments, the world forces contact and puts these groups at risk from disease and environmental destruction. Indigenous groups living in voluntary isolation and initial contact have built rich communities and societies outside of the international system. They must be respected, preserved and protected from harm.”