"Now is the time for Government to support legislation recognizing Indigenous peoples' history and their role in founding Canada--and to celebrate their survival, their youth & arts & way of honouring the land, the animals, and each other. Now is the time to live up to our promises, to ensure clean water & the necessary health & educational services, and to put an end with concrete steps to systemic discrimination and harassment of Indigenous peoples." - Denise Giroux

We are happy to report that Canadians are continuing to call on the Canadian government to put forward legislation clearly establishing Indigenous Peoples's status as Founding Nations of Canada.  One of the most powerful actions Canadians are taking is using our Letter-to-the-Editor tool. This powerful tool allows Canadians to successfully publish dozens of letters in Canadian newspapers, an effective and innovative way to call on the Canadian government to turn Recognition to Action.

Below is an excerpt from a letter sent by Elaine Ward from Halifax. 

The Aboriginal teepee at Canada Day events on Parliament Hill reminded us all why it’s essential to recognize Indigenous peoples’ history and the impact our history has had on their communities. They have, as Phil Fontaine said, "been outside looking in, not really a part of Confederation, not really full citizens."

PM Justin Trudeau committed to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 final recommendations --but many before him have expressed good intentions--while, like him, continuing to resist the follow up needed (shamefully, his government is STILL disputing their rights in courts and before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal!).

Now is the time for Government to support legislation recognizing Indigenous peoples' history and their role in founding Canada--and to celebrate their survival, their youth & arts & way of honouring the land, the animals, and each other.

Now is the time to live up to our promises, to ensure clean water & the necessary health & educational services, and to put an end with concrete steps to systemic discrimination and harassment of Indigenous peoples--like we saw in the ridiculous display by the "Proud Boys" (military personnel!!) in Nova Scotia this past weekend or, even worse, racist killing of the kind occurring in Thunder Bay--innocent students whose bodies are turning up in the river or targeted murder by an 18 year old (throwing a car hitch!) at a woman merely walking on the street. We could start by learning more about their history in our schools.

 - Denise Giroux, Montreal