NDP Statement for National Indigenous People Day 2024

Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“Today on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the history, strength, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across the country.

Even as the Canadian government and its institutions worked to erase them, Indigenous peoples have continued to persevere and hold on to their languages, cultures, and heritages.

Their strength in the face of colonialism and genocide has only made Canada a better and stronger place.

Reconciliation to address the harm settler colonialism has caused must be a priority.

Consecutive federal governments have not lived up to their obligations to Indigenous peoples. The inquiries and commissions have laid the framework for action. Shamefully – this government has only completed two of the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and only 13 of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

As well, despite empty promises from this government to close it by 2030, the infrastructure gap for Indigenous peoples continues to grow. Roads, schools, hospitals, water treatment facilities – infrastructure that communities rely on - are all severely underfunded. This government has not made the meaningful investments needed to even begin closing the gap.

On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, New Democrats recommit to working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis across the country as they empower, uplift and demand justice for their peoples.”