Please read the following statement from Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, recognising National Indigenous People’s Day:
“On this National Indigenous People’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the inalienable rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Indigenous communities are under assault through neglect and systemic racism. Over the past weeks, we saw the federal government bulldoze Bill C-5 through Parliament without proper study. This bill strips the rights of Indigenous communities to meaningful consultation on projects on their lands. Reconciliation is about building a renewed relationship built on respect and collaboration. All Canadians must move forward to even greater recognition and implementation of the legal rights of Indigenous peoples.
I am grateful to serve alongside the Green Party’s Deputy Leader, Rainbow Eyes. She speaks out about how protecting Mother Earth is in our DNA, and the healing and love from Indigenous teachings will get us through the threats to our Mother Earth. I will keep fighting every day for the principles of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.”