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The following people in Canada have already signed on.
6. Peter Julian
7. Dave Rattray
9. Bob Rae
10. David HT Wong
11. Brian Masse
12. Margaret Atwood
Don’t see your member of parliament on the list? There are 2 Steps you can help.
Letter to Editors
As it stands Indigenous Peoples have not received recognition for their contributions to building Canada, nor a fair share of the ensuing wealth.
We have to set the record straight about the role of Indigenous peoples in the origins of Canada and our shared history since.
A country cannot be built on an incomplete history.
Message your MP
As it stands Indigenous Peoples have not received recognition for their contributions to building Canada, nor a fair share of the ensuing wealth.
We have to set the record straight about the role of Indigenous peoples in the origins of Canada and our shared history since.
A country cannot be built on an incomplete history.
Email PM Trudeau
As it stands, Indigenous peoples have not received recognition for their contributions to building Canada, nor a fair share of the ensuing wealth. The idea that Canada was founded exclusively by the British and French is harmful, unfair and incomplete. [1]
In fact, Indigenous peoples of Canada were the first peoples to govern this land and were present for thousands of years prior to Confederation. [2] Click here to check out the AFN's commitment to recognition.
A country cannot be built on an incomplete history.
Now is the time to protect and promote Indigenous languages, cultures, history, traditions and laws.
Now is the time to respect the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to develop, maintain and strengthen their relationship with their lands, waters and environment.
Now is the time to complete the story. As many participate in Canada 150 activities, it is important to remember that one of the main Calls to Action in the Recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission demanded Canada.
"Reconcile Aboriginal and Crown constitutional and legal orders to ensure that Aboriginal peoples are full partners in Confederation, including the recognition and integration of Indigenous laws and legal traditions in negotiation and implementation processes involving Treaties, land claims, and other constructive agreements." [3]
The government should acknowledge that Indigenous peoples were founders of the Nation in a formal, legal way. [4] Only then will there be a solid foundation for Canada to reconcile its past and lay the foundation for a new relationship with its First Peoples.
Please add your voice now to turn this vision into a reality.
AFN
Assembly of First Nations
“In 1996, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples observed, ‘A country cannot be built on a living lie.’ Now is the time, during the Canada 150 activities, to complete the story. The government should adopt legislation that acknowledges that Indigenous peoples are a founding nation of Canada. It’s time for the government to take action and make specific commitments to right this wrong. It’s time to turn recognition to action."
About your nation
Recognition2Action.ca is a civic engagement campaign to educate people about the role Indigenous peoples have played in founding Canada.
The idea that Canada was founded by the British and French, is incomplete. Indigenous peoples were here long before both and should be recognized as at least equal founders of this nation.
In 1996, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples observed, ‘A country cannot be built on a living lie.’ Now is the time, during the Canada 150 activities, to complete the story.
The government should adopt legislation that acknowledges that Indigenous peoples are a founders of Canada. It’s time for the government to take action and make specific commitments to right this wrong. It’s time to turn recognition to action
This project is being carried out in collaboration with a broad network of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous organizations and individuals who have articulated statements of support.
If you’re an individual please take action now. If you represent a community group, businesses or organization you can get involved by filling out this form.
Why is this important? Read Professor Kathleen Mahoney’s detailed legal rationale for legislation recognizing Indigenous peoples as founders of Canada HERE
You can find draft Recognition legislation from the Recognition2Action campaign HERE.