Posts By: Karen

The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada launches extensive new educational resources

OTTAWAOct. 22, 2018 /CNW/ – Against the backdrop of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, students from the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre stepped onto the long-awaited Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada (IPAC) Giant Floor Map.Parliamentarians, leaders representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, representatives from Indspire, and members of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) joined students on the gymnasium-sized map, in a story-sharing circle to hear about the work that went into creating the Atlas. Organized by the Indigenous Caucus of the Liberal Party, the launch celebrated the completion of Canadian Geographic‘s innovative Indigenous Peoples Atlas ofCanada educational resources.

“Thoughout the Truth and Reconciliation Commission we heard from Survivors that education was the way forward for reconciliation,” says Ry Moran, Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. “The IPAC Educational Resources will provide the necessary tools for teachers to educate the next generation, and all of Canadians, about Indigenous histories, nations, territories and Identities.”

Canadians of all ages are keen to learn more about Indigenous history and perspectives in Canada. The Atlas has already sold 8,000 copies through pre-orders alone, and the four-volume collection is now available in bookstores and online. A second printing is underway and will be available as of Nov. 17, 2018.

The educational resources that accompany the Atlas are unique in both their content and scope. Much of the information presented in these resources has never been made available in written form or shared with educators before now. And the extent of history and geography covered by these resources is impressive — most of Canadian Geographic Education’s teacher’s guides are about 35 pages long, but the IPAC teacher’s guide offers more than 170 pages of activities and lesson plans.

Teachers are already lining up to book IPAC’s educational materials for their schools. When the IPAC Giant Floor Mapsite went live on Sept. 26, Can Geo Education received 68 bookings in just three weeks. All Can Geo Education’s resources are bilingual and free to use or book. In addition, 30 IPAC Giant Floor Maps have been sold to schools and groups across Canada.

For the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, that definitely will support Canada’s efforts at reconciliation with Indigenous People. “This project will ensure that young Canadians have the opportunity to learn more about the culture and heritage of Indigenous Peoples, including the dark history of residential schools. The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada was a Canada 150 project that we were proud to support, because it involved the participation of Indigenous Peoples and responded to the Call to Action to better educate our children on these issues. I congratulate the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for undertaking this creative and exciting project, which we hope will move us down the path of reconciliation.”

John Geiger, CEO of the RCGS, attributes the success of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada to the enthusiasm and interest from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians in having materials that reflect the perspectives and stories of all peoples in Canada. “We have collaborated with Indigenous partners to produce these unique educational resources and along the way these partnerships have grown into friendships. I hope as more Canadians learn through IPAC, this understanding will nurture more empathy and reconciliation with Indigenous People, which has always been our goal,” said Geiger.

“Canadian Geographic’s Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada is a ground-breaking new educational resource,” says Vance Badawey, M.P for Niagara Centre and member of the Indigenous Caucus of the Liberal Party. “It is my hope this project will help build multicultural understanding, encourage dialogue, and foster mutual respect between all Canadians. A key to a better Canada lies in forging stronger relationships with Indigenous Peoples.”

The Atlas content has been produced in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and Indspire. These partners represent an unparalleled breadth and depth of knowledge, expertise, and strong ties to their respective communities and networks. The RCGS provided the technical expertise on the project. The Atlas partners are pleased with the fruit of their year-long labours, having worked hard to develop these innovative teaching tools, which will soon be introduced into classrooms all across Canada.

For Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council, who spoke at today’s launch, all the hard work has paid off. “If one wants to explore the many dimensions of the Métis Nation and its history and culture, the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada is the place to go.”

The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada was created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which cites the development of culturally appropriate curricula for Indigenous students as a top priority. Lack of appropriate educational and financial resources for Canada’s Indigenous students has long been deemed a contributing factor to the marginalization of Indigenous communities.

“The Assembly of First Nations is encouraged by the interest shown in the Indigenous Peoples Atlas. We hope to build on the momentum of this success and continue to encourage learning about First Nation cultures and contributions in shaping our country, says Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “We all have a role in reconciliation, and these tools and resources can help educators, students, schools and communities tell the story of our shared history. We need to move forward together to advance understanding and mutual respect.”

The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada includes a four-volume print atlas, an online interactive atlas with an accompanying app, Giant Floor Maps, and various other educational resources for classrooms. This ambitious, ground-breaking educational resource is unprecedented in scope, as well as in the level of Indigenous participation and content creation on a geography-related project.

“When flying over the lands and waters of Inuit Nunangat, our homeland, an outsider might just see rocks, snow or tundra. Inuit see our home. We recognize the places where we fish, hunt or gather berries, the places where our families have traveled for generations following the seasonal changes of our environment. It is this spirit of Inuit Nunangat that we are proud to offer a glimpse of through the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada,” said Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. “We hope that we can also share insights into our history and our political desires for unity and self-determination.”

“Indspire is thrilled that the materials have had such an enthusiastic response. This information is brand new to many Canadians and we applaud the educators who are using these materials in their classrooms to better inform their students about First Nations, Inuit and Métis people” said Roberta Jamieson, President & CEO, Indspire. “Education is the key to reconciliation and this is another crucial step in educating Canadians about who we are, and reminding Canadians and our young people that our stories matter, our histories matter, and we remain a vital part of Canada.”

The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada teaching resources are now available to all Indigenous schools through the partners’ distribution channels and to more than 21,000 Can Geo Education members. The four-volume set of books will be sold and distributed by Kids Can Press, through an exclusive partnership with Canadian Geographic that will enable this important resource to be made available not only across Canada but around the world. The partnership will also see the future development of much-needed children’s content, inspired by the collaborative efforts of Indigenous communities and Can Geo Education.

Government of Canada is taking steps to support recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whales in the Salish Sea

News release

October 22, 2018                     VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Canada has the longest coastline in the world, serving as home to rich biodiversity and precious ecosystems. The Government of Canada is building on its historic Oceans Protection Plan, and taking immediate action to preserve and restore marine ecosystems to help endangered whale populations recover.

In June 2018, the Government of Canada announced the $167.4 million Whales Initiative that increases Transport Canada’s research and monitoring of underwater noise and vessel movement. Building on this, today, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport announced measures to support the recovery of endangered whale populations. Transport Canada will be working with multiple partners on the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) program which is looking at ways to reduce underwater noise in key areas where there are Southern Resident Killer Whales.

These $1.6 million measures will include the deployment of an underwater hydrophone at Boundary Pass in the Salish Sea. Over the coming months, the hydrophone will collect individual vessel and mammal noise profiles and the information will be used to develop measures to further support the recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whales. In addition, with support from the National Research Council of Canada, Transport Canada will carry out a four-year project to better predict propeller noise and hull vibration of a vessel.

The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways. Through this plan, the Government of Canada is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coasts and waterways for generations to come. This work is being done in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities.

Quotes

“I am proud of how we are working to address recovery of these iconic species. By increasing our research and monitoring, we are getting a better understanding of how we can reduce human-caused threats and successfully recover endangered whale populations.”

The Honourable Marc Garneau,
Minister of Transport

“Canada’s Whales Initiative builds on the success of the Oceans Protection Plan to support the recovery of endangered whale populations. Coming from the West Coast and thanks to my work on this issue during my previous experience as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, I am keenly aware of the plight of the Southern Resident Killer Whale. I know how important the survival of this whale population is for Canadians and I am proud to be advancing key initiatives to help address their recovery.”

Terry Beech
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport

“A key focus of the ECHO Program is supporting the recovery of southern resident killer whales, and the underwater hydrophone is critical to our understanding of how underwater vessel noise might be affecting these and other at-risk species,” said Duncan Wilson, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “Transport Canada’s initiative aligns well with our environmental objectives and we are pleased to see their ongoing commitment to protect the marine environment.”

Duncan Wilson
Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Quick facts

  • In Haro Strait, a voluntary vessel slowdown in summer 2018 was built on the successful 2017 slowdown in the same area that significantly reduced underwater noise in critical habitat when Southern Resident Killer Whales were present.
  • Beginning in August 2018, the Strait of Juan de Fuca lateral displacement trial has seen consistent shifts of commercial vessels away from key Southern Resident Killer Whale foraging areas.
  • Transport Canada is adding an additional aircraft to its fleet for the National Aerial Surveillance Program. It is also adding a state of the art maritime search radar on each coast and infra-red sensors for all of the program’s aircraft.
  • During summer 2018, there were no reported deaths of the North Atlantic right whale in Canadian waters.

Enquête TV Program on Abuses Committed by the Oblates Impunity Must Stop

Enquête TV Program on Abuses Committed by the Oblates Impunity Must Stop

Wendake, October 22, 2018 – Following the broadcast of Radio-Canada’s television program Enquête on October 18th revealing other cases of abuse committed on First Nations children by ten Oblate priests, the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) Ghislain Picard questions the silence of the Catholic Church.

“Here we have other cases in addition to a multitude of examples that demonstrate that acts of contrition will not suffice. The Catholic Church must stop procrastinating. All churches have made excuses except for them. What does the Pope’s silence mean? Impunity is unacceptable,” says
Ghislain Picard.

The broadcast once again highlighted several cases of sexual abuse of minors of the Atikamekw and Innu nations over decades. These latest cases are in addition to events that have already been publicly revealed and where intergenerational impacts have had heavy consequences on individuals, families and communities affected.

“The Catholic Church must respond to these reprehensible acts. This is an essential first step to pave the way for healing for the victims. Considering all that we now know, the silence of the Catholic Church would suffice to justify holding a public inquiry, ” concluded Chief Picard.

About the AFNQL

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL

Gerald Nyce of the Beaver Clan of the Nisga’a Nation

As the youth coordinator at the Kitselas First Nation Health Centre, Gerald Nyce is a familiar face in the small town of Gitaus, BC, a small community of 400 people east of Terrace.

The role didn’t come without its challenges, however. Says Gerald, “Working with people and their feelings, handling sensitive and confidential information – it’s like night and day compared to natural resource management. I had to learn a lot on the go.”

While Gerald found that some of his career skills were transferrable, he still felt he needed more formalized training in administration and interpersonal skills. In 2017, he enrolled in the Aboriginal Health and Community Administration certificate program (AHCAP) offered at UBC through a partnership between the UBC Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and UBC Extended Learning. The award-winning program, taught online and in five residency weekends in Vancouver, focuses on service delivery, program administration and healthcare leadership.

The first day Gerald walked into class, he didn’t know what to expect. He soon found, however, a welcoming forum for sharing ideas and approaches on health and social issues facing First Nations communities.

One of the program’s modules, Indigenous Health and Wellness, helped Gerald learn about the application of traditional medicine. “The module opened my eyes to different ways of healing people with traditional culture and medicine.” Other modules on administration, policy and research lent themselves well to Gerald’s efforts around Kitselas Centre volunteer programs.

Gerald has his sights set on becoming a healthcare director. “I feel the experience I’m getting now is key, and the AHCAP program was so helpful. For anyone involved in First Nations health and wellness, it’s a great program to gain competencies.” Adds Gerald, “All of our communities face similar issues. We are all in this together.”

To learn more about Kitselas First Nation and the Youth Health and Wellness Centre, visit:

http://www.kitselas.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naNxI6qieL0&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgETinKpCQ4

https://www.facebook.com/Kitselas.Youth

To find out more about the Aboriginal Health and Community Administration Program at UBC Extended Learning, visit:

https://extendedlearning.ubc.ca/programs/aboriginal-health-community-administration-certificate

INNU NATION CONCERNED ABOUT IMPACT TO INNU WORKERS AS RESULT OF NALCOR STOP-WORK ORDER ISSUED TO ASTALDI AT MUSKRAT FALLS (LOWER CHURCHILL PROJECT)

SHESHATSHIU, LABRADOR, NL – Innu Nation leaders are in St. John’s today to meet with Stan Marshall, Nalcor Energy CEO about the stop work order that Nalcor has issued to Astaldi.

Innu Nation’s Grand Chief Gregory Rich said “Innu Nation has an Impacts and Benefits Agreement with Nalcor Energy that contractors at the Muskrat Falls site must respect”.

“Innu Nation will meet with Nalcor today to ensure that Nalcor fulfills its IBA obligations to Innu Nation and that Innu workers are transferred into other positions or have first priority for return to work, as required in our IBA” said Grand Chief Rich.

There are 50 Innu workers employed by Astaldi. In a statement to Innu workers issued by Astaldi this morning, all Innu workers remain on site. Innu Nation will continue to monitor the situation.

The Lower Churchill Impacts and Benefits Agreement is part of the historic Tshash Petapen (New Dawn) Agreement that Innu Nation signed with Nalcor Energy and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador on September 26th, 2008.

The University of Sudbury celebrates Indigenous recipients of substantial scholarships

SUDBURY – During a ceremony held at the University of Sudbury yesterday (Thursday, October 18th) at 10 a.m., three Indigenous students were recognized and were officially awarded their substantial scholarships.

A total sum of $18,000 was recently awarded in scholarships to deserving students of the Indigenous Studies program at the University of Sudbury. The recipients recognized this year were: Erin Fairbairn, who received the continuing $7,000 Dr. Constance Elaine Jayne Williams and Charles L. Williams Educational Trust Scholarship; Bneshiinh McLeod, who received the $4,000 Maple Grove United Church Scholarship; and Sonnie Debassige, who received the continuing $7,000 Rotary Aboriginal Scholarship Fund.

Erin Fairbairn is from Wikemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. She is a full-time student currently in her third year of the Indigenous Studies program, while concurrently working towards her Bachelor of Education. Working hard at balancing academics and her home life, as she has a family of her own, Erin says that she has dreamt of becoming a teacher of Indigenous Studies for as long as she can remember and that she looks forward to doing her part in the decolonization of education

Bneshiinh McLeod is an Anishinaabekwe from Mississauga First Nation, and a full-time student working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies. She is currently the Vice-President of the Indigenous Students Circle, where she provides outreach and support to the Indigenous student population of the Laurentian Federation.

Sonnie Debassige, from M’Chigeeng First Nation, is a full-time student who is also working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and hopes to pursue her studies in that field at the doctoral level. Sonnie is very involved in offering cultural teachings within the Laurentian Federation, which she indicates can contribute to the reconciliation efforts.

The University is pleased to be able to offer such scholarships with the help of its donors, to assist these dedicated individuals in their studies and help foster their success as they continue their academic journeys and careers. We extend our most sincere congratulations to these recipients, who will surely use their knowledge and experience to make a difference.

About the Maple Grove United Church Scholarship: The Maple Grove United Church Scholarship was established in 2014 to assist Indigenous students in meeting their financial needs during the course of their full-time studies within the Laurentian Federation.

About the Dr. Constance Elaine Jayne Williams and Charles L. Williams Educational Trust Scholarship:
Established in 2017, this scholarship is awarded to an Indigenous student pursuing full-time studies in the Indigenous Studies program at the University of Sudbury, from any of the following Ojibway bands: M’Chigeeng First Nation, Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Wikemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, Sheguiandah First Nation, Sheshegwaning First Nation. This is a continuing scholarship, meaning that the recipients will continue to receive the annual amount until completion of their degree, as long as they continue to meet the requirements and remain in good academic standing.

About the Rotary Aboriginal Scholarship: Fund Established in 2016, the Rotary Indigenous Scholarship was established at the University of Sudbury due to the generous donation of the Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar. This scholarship is meant to assist Indigenous students in meeting their financial needs during the course of their full-time studies within the Laurentian Federation. This is a continuing scholarship, meaning that the recipients will continue to receive the annual amount until completion of their degree, as long as they continue to meet the requirements and remain in good academic standing.

About the University of Sudbury : The University of Sudbury is proud of its bilingual and tri-cultural environment and of its Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person. As Northern Ontario’s longest-standing postsecondary institution and a member of the Laurentian University Federation, the University of Sudbury remains committed to a focus on a liberal arts education by providing programming in Journalism (French only), Folklore and Ethnology (French only), Religious Studies, Philosophy and Indigenous Studies.

Detailed information about the University’s programs can be found at www.usudbury.ca.
For more information, please contact Marianne Denis-Séguin at the University of Sudbury (mdenis3@usudbury.ca)

VIU LIBRARY RECEIVES A GRANT TO DIGITIZE CANADA’S HISTORICAL NARRATIVES OF EXPLORATION

SUMMARY: The Vancouver Island University Library received a $17,015 grant from the National Heritage Digitization Strategy to digitize historical texts and maps dating from 1732-1944 that will unfold Canada’s narratives of exploration through the voices of settlers and Indigenous peoples.

VIU MEDIA RELEASE: Thursday, October 18, 2018

NANAIMO, BC: The narratives of Canada’s journey of exploration will be shared with the online world through the digitization of Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Special Collections archives.

VIU is one of 21 successful candidates from 213 applications to receive funding from Libraries and Archives Canada (LAC) and the National Heritage Digitization Strategy (NHDS) to digitize collections for the preservation of Canadian cultural heritage. Thanks to an anonymous million-dollar donation to the NHDS, the organization made a call out to memory institutions to support their digitization initiatives that are both of national importance and unique. VIU was successful in securing a $17,015 grant, with the remainder of the $65,000 project budget being made in-kind by the university.

“This funding will build upon our digitization and open access content production capacity and, more importantly, it offers the potential to deepen our existing relationships with Indigenous communities,” says Ben Hyman, Chief Librarian at VIU.

The VIU Library will digitize 38 historic texts and six maps from its Special Collections – content that has never been digitized before. The collection features naval expeditions along the Northwest Passage, and carves out narratives of the journeys of what became Canada. What is missing from these texts is representation of Indigenous perspectives and contexts.

“Indigenous voices are scarce in records of this kind – even when the subject is ‘ethnographies – Indigenous Peoples’, so in an effort to elevate Indigenous voices with respect to these narratives, VIU Library will invite Elders from local communities to be aware of and to reflect on selected works and passages,” says Hyman.

Reconstructing truths through collaboration with Indigenous community members may involve challenging – but necessary – conversations. The VIU Library hopes to engage with local Indigenous communities and reach out to other institutions to collaborate in these conversations. It will seek guidance from community with respect to the manifestation of the narratives that may emerge.

According to the NHDS, “Documentary heritage is a cornerstone of all democratic societies. It supports economic, social, legal understanding and cultural growth, while also fostering innovation to ensure a strong future.” By digitizing these materials, and through collaboration with community, “Our intent is to honour VIU’s values as an open access, special purpose teaching university,” says Hyman.

This is the second grant the VIU Library has received for digitization initiatives in the last six months. The Library also received $40,000 to digitize the Nanaimo Daily Free Press (1874-1928) and the Cowichan Leader (1905-1928).

Although the digitization of the historical texts and maps will be complete by August 2019, Hyman says the collaboration between the University and Indigenous communities will be a longer commitment. The Library aims to continue finding ways to decolonize historical information and build upon its capacity to provide open access content to students, faculty and the greater VIU community.

Permalink: https://news.viu.ca/viu-library-receives-grant-digitize-canadas-historical-narratives-exploration

Photo Caption: Historical texts and maps of Canada’s journey to discovery will be digitized for the first time. Photo Credit: Vancouver Island University

Assembly of First Nations Congratulates Abegweit First Nation Chief Brian Francis on Appointment to Senate of Canada

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde, AFN New Brunswick-Prince Edward Island Regional Chief Roger Augustine and AFN Nova Scotia-Newfoundland Regional Chief Morley Googoo today welcomed the appointment of Brian Francis, Chief of Abegweit First Nation in P.E.I., to the Senate of Canada.

“We need more First Nations people around all decision-making tables and that includes the Senate of Canada” said National Chief Bellegarde. “We congratulate Senator Francis on this appointment. He has an outstanding record of achievement. He will make great contributions to the Senate of Canada which will create a better country for all.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Francis as a P.E.I. senator on October 11. Francis has been Chief of the Abegweit First Nation since 2007 and resigned as leader this week to assume his position in the Senate.

“Chief Francis has done an outstanding job representing our Mi’kmaq people in many positions throughout his illustrious career,” said AFN Regional Chief Augustine. “We have confidence that his representation in the Senate will ensure we have a knowledgeable and respectful voice in Parliament on key issues affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada.  This appointment is well deserved and we are honoured to support Senator Francis in his new endeavor.”

Senator Francis is the second Mi’kmaq Senator to be appointed to the Senate of Canada. Senator Dan Christmas from Membertou First Nation in Nova Scotia was appointed in December 2016.

AFN Regional Chief Morley Googoo stated: “I am so proud of these outstanding and deserving Mi’kmaq leaders. They are an integral part of the new narrative for our people. This is a narrative that has evolved over hundreds of years and today I am so pleased to see this honourable step toward rightful representation for our ancestral leaders through Senator Francis who will act as custodian of our future.”

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde Stands in Solidarity and Support for Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Aaki Declaration – the Grassy Narrows First Nation Land Declaration

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde stated today that he fully supports the Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Aaki Declaration – the Grassy Narrows First Nation Land Declaration – issued today by Grassy Narrows First Nation. The National Chief was in Grassy Narrows First Nation on October 9 and met with Elders, leaders and citizens on a number of issues, including the Declaration.
 
“I am proud today to stand in support of the Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek as they issue this Declaration reasserting their jurisdiction and their inherent rights and Treaty rights,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “All governments must recognize, respect and honour our rights and responsibilities to our traditional territories. This includes the right to decide what happens in our territories. Grassy Narrows First Nation is pushing forward on their right to determine their own future, and forging a path towards meaningful reconciliation even in the most difficult of circumstances. I support their Declaration and their goals of reconciliation, restoration and reparations.”
 
The Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Aaki Declaration (Grassy Narrows First Nation Land Declaration) sets out a number of principles. It bans all industrial logging in Grassy Narrows First Nation territory, and asserts that the First Nation will make its own land use decisions. The Declaration calls on the governments of Ontario and Canada to respect the decisions of Grassy Narrows First Nation and to support the leaders and citizens in rebuilding their health, their way of life, and their livelihood, which have all been severely impacted by mercury and industrial logging.
 
Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation, also known as Grassy Narrows First Nation, is a Treaty 3 First Nation located 80 kilometres north of Kenora, Ontario. The Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Aaki Declaration is online at:
 
The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

THE NATIVE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (NWAC) STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH CINDY GLADUE’S FAMILY ON OCTOBER 11, 2018 AT THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA

MEDIA RELEASE
 
NWAC supports Cindy Gladue and her family, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) and the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) as they advocate for Indigenous women across the country at the Supreme Court of Canada on October 11.
 
At trial, Bradley Barton was acquitted for the death of Cindy Gladue. Cindy Gladue and her family experienced dehumanization during the trial when a part of Cindy’s body was treated as an exhibit, creating a public spectacle of the family’s trauma. The way she was treated in the Canadian court system ignored any Indigenous perspectives in mourning the deceased. There is no excuse for disregarding human dignity in this way. Cindy Gladue is deserving of the highest respect.
 
Though the Alberta Court of Appeal ordered a new trial, Mr. Barton (who would have stood trial for the murder of Cindy Gladue) appealed the decision from Alberta’s highest court to the Supreme Court of Canada.
 
At the Supreme Court, IAAW and LEAF will have the opportunity to discuss how racist and sexist stereotypes about Indigenous women do not belong in the Canadian courts, especially trial courts. As Canada grapples with one of the harmful effects of its colonial history—missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people— IAAW and LEAF’s contributions at the Supreme Court of Canada are a meaningful way to change the ways that the criminal justice system treats Indigenous women.
 
NWAC joins IAAW and LEAF as they stand in solidarity with Cindy Gladue’s family. NWAC echoes IAAW and LEAF’s call for a culturally appropriate proceeding where Cindy Gladue and her family receive the utmost dignity and respect. Together with Indigenous communities across Canada, NWAC mourns the loss of Indigenous women like Cindy Gladue who leave us too soon.