Dear Members
On June 15, the Government of Ontario announced that they would be allocating $10 million to identify, investigate, protect, and commemorate Indigenous residential school burial sites. The news release by the government mentions "partnering" and "working in collaboration with" Indigenous communities and leaders, and that Indigenous communities can "work in conjunction with" Ontario specialists. This process of seeking truth and taking steps towards healing cannot be an endeavor where Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous peoples are merely consultants. Therefore, we are formally petitioning the government of Ontario to commit to making Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous peoples the leaders of this process going forward.
We call on the Government of Ontario to:
Appoint Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous peoples as leaders and overseers in an official capacity
Not move forward with any initiatives until reviewed and accepted by Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous advisors
Hire Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous specialists wherever possible
Adhere to points 71-76 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
Please have your voice heard loud and clear by signing this action letter!
Regards
MHNIG Executive Team