IDN: Current Events / News
"The unfortunate thing is people take a little bit of our culture and twist it into their own liking."
As Thea Penashue welcomed her new daughter into the world, she thought of her ancestors, breathed in fresh air and the smell of boughs beneath her, and watched the sun rise through the canvas walls of the tent in which she gave birth.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, today announced that Canada is now a full supporter, without qualification, of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Today's announcement also reaffirms Canada's commitment to adopt and implement the Declaration in accordance with the Canadian Constitution.
Indigenous Views on Canada 150; First Nations Female Chiefs
What does Canada 150 mean for Indigenous communities? The Truth and Reconciliation Commission sees it as "an opportunity for Canadians to take stock of the past, celebrating the country's accomplishments without shirking responsibility for its failures." The Agenda convenes a panel to discuss the sesquicentennial from an Indigenous perspective.
The Indian Act: What to do with it
Created more than 150 years ago, the Indian Act has structured relations between the federal government and Indigenous people for generations. And in the eyes of many, its purpose was and still is, to assimilate, control, and even destroy the people and communities that come under its jurisdiction. In 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to scrap it. That hasn't happened. The Agenda discusses what should be done about the archaic legislation.
Her opening remarks in their entirety, plus highlights of her answers to the committee's questions
Despite its gushing declarations of support for Indigenous people, the government is defying an order to compensate thousands of families for discrimination.