“The First Peoples of Canada have suffered for too much and too long”, Bellegarde said.
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“Indigenous women are four per cent of the population, and 16 per cent of homicides”.
While former Prime Minister Stephen Harper reacted with indifference and did not commit to implementing any of the proposed steps for reconciliation, Trudeau’s Liberal Party immediately vowed to adopt all 94 recommendations.
“It’s time for a new fiscal relationship with First Nations that gives your communities sufficient, predictable and sustained funding”.
The Liberals of prime minister Justin Trudeau took office after defeating the Conservatives, who took the decision to send the jets and trainers to the Middle East.
“The previous government certainly showed no respect, limited consultations, continued to push policies without the consent and involvement of the First Nations of this country”, he said.
During the federal election campaign, Trudeau pledged $40 million over two years for a national inquiry into murdered and missing indigenous women and girls.
Ministers Jody Wilson-Raybould, Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Patty Hajdu today announced the first phase of a national inquiry on missing and murdered Indigenous women, which includes meeting with families, national Aboriginal organizations (including AFN), provinces and territories and interested parties and experts.
A 2014 report by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police identified 1,181 murdered or missing aboriginal women dating back to 1952.
This inquiry is necessary to address and prevent future violence.Trudeau received a standing ovation after speaking at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec. “What we hope it achieves is a comprehensive national strategy as well as a local and regional community strategy on reducing the incidents of violence”, she said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says those touched by the tragedy have waited long enough.
He also promised to make significant investments in First Nations education.
Trudeau promised to “fully implement” the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which examined the residential schools saga.
The relationship should be “one that understands that the constitutionally guaranteed rights of First Nations in Canada are not an inconvenience, but a sacred obligation”, he said.
Trudeau’s speech Tuesday was light on specifics.
“There’s a lot of stories that need to be told and the circumstances are unique because they’re from different territories and from different tribes”, said Simard-Chicago.
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“We will get this right for the spirits and the memory of those we have lost”, she said, as she wrapped up her remarks.
