This week Green Leader Elizabeth May is reaching out to First Nations in the riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands. Today, she will take part in a natural building project and community discussion at the Saanich Adult Education Centre on the Saanich First Nation. Yesterday, she visited the Tsawout First Nation. Ms. May spoke out against the indifference to Canada’s First Nations that has been shown in this federal election campaign.
“We have people in our own country living in third world conditions. St. Theresa Point Nation in Manitoba is facing a crisis with its water and sewage infrastructure. The response from our government last week was to send them slop buckets. Why is this not a top priority election issue? It is for the Green Party,” said Ms. May.
“Where is the debate on health, on clean water, on education and opportunities for youth, for Canada’s First Nations? They have been excluded and ignored in this election,” said Ms. May. “Canadians care and want action. The Green Party will deliver.”
The Green Party is committed to justice and equality in First Nations education, economy, housing, health, and governance. In addition to eliminating the out-dated Indian Act, the Green Party will:
- honour inherent rights of self-government.
- Implement the 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, with true nation-to-nation negotiations.
- Ensure that Canada upholds the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Restore the $5.1 billion commitment of the Kelowna Accord.
- Invest $800 million a year in First Nations education, safe drinking water, and improved housing.
- Respect the Sparrow decision (recognizing the Aboriginal right to fish).
- Respect the Haida decision (the right of Aboriginal peoples to be not just consulted but their concerns accommodated regarding decisions that may impact their resources and their future).
- Respect the Douglas Treaties of southern Vancouver Island.
- Promote Aboriginal culture, language and history as a fundamental source of Canadian identity.
- Deliver health care, education and other services in a way that incorporates traditional practices and recognizes the role of extended families and elders.
