AFN Yukon Regional Chief Adamek calls for accountability from the federal government following the passing of the motion titled Action Towards Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

08 Jun AFN Yukon Regional Chief Adamek calls for accountability from the federal government following the passing of the motion titled Action Towards Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

Whitehorse, Yukon – AFN Yukon Regional Chief Adamek has released the below statement following the House of Commons passing of Action Towards Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

“I was pleased to see the House of Commons vote in favour of a motion brought forward by the Federal NDP opposition titled Action Towards Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The
motion includes funding for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, as well as investigations into the unmarked graves of Indigenous children that remain undiscovered at former residential schools across the country. However, it was deeply discouraging to see that several Liberal Members of Parliament chose to abstain from yesterday’s vote.

The discovery of 215 children at the former Kamloops Residential School has catalyzed calls to action from Indigenous people and communities across Turtle Island, and it is clear that true transformative change is long overdue. To take steps towards this transformative change, there needs to be real accountability from all levels of government, especially the federal government, and an action-oriented commitment to upholding the right to self-determination that is inherent to all Indigenous people. Passing this motion was one step that policymakers have taken to indicate their commitment to reconciliation in substantive ways, and so it is disheartening to see MPs abstain from voting on such an important matter.

Nevertheless, yesterday’s passing of Action Towards Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is an important step forward. It also serves as a reminder that the work that is funded and completed through this motion must be determined and led by Indigenous communities themselves, including youth. Theirs are the voices that must be at the centre of the actions to come. The AFN Yukon Region continues to stand in solidarity with those First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities who demand accountability from all levels of government, and I remain committed to holding federal partners responsible for the promises they make to Yukon First Nations and all Indigenous people across Canada.”

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Kluane Adamek
Regional Chief
Assembly of First Nations – Yukon Region
Unit 204 – 105 Titanium Way, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 0E7
T: 867-456-2369 M: 867-333-0118
[email protected]
www.afn.ca

Hannah Geiser
Communications
Assembly of First Nations – Yukon Region
[email protected]