Statement by AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde on Comments by Supreme Court Chief Justice that Canada Attempted to Commit “cultural genocide” Against Aboriginal Peoples

Statement by AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde on Comments by
Supreme Court Chief Justice that Canada Attempted to Commit ”
cultural genocide” Against Aboriginal Peoples

May 29, 2015

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde made the following statement today regarding comments by Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin that Canada attempted to commit “cultural genocide” against Aboriginal peoples:

“We fully agree with the Chief Justice’s statement that Canada’s treatment of our people is cultural genocide.  The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirms our right to not be subjected to forced assimilation or destruction of our culture – in essence, cultural genocide.  The fact that the highest justice of Canada’s highest court is affirming this reality is tremendously powerful.  Madam Chief Justice McLachlin’s understanding and recognition serve as a call to action for everyone in this country, including governments.  It must inform the approach to policy making, law making and reconciliation that is required to move us all forward into a new Canada where First Nations children have the same opportunities as every other child in this land and where our rights, responsibilities and promises to one another are honoured and respected.”

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

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Contact information:

Jenna Young Castro, AFN Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext. 401;
613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext. 382;
613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca