Greens Pledge to renew relationship with indigenous peoples of Canada

(POWELL RIVER) October 8, 2015 – The Green Party of Canada is pledging to partner collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis after Brenda Sayers attended the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 2015 Election open forum in Edmonton, A.B., on Oct. 8.

Brenda Sayers, Green Party candidate (North Island – Powell River), attended the AFN forum on behalf of Elizabeth May:

“I chose to run for the Green Party because our values and principles so closely align with my own as a First Nations woman,” Ms. Sayers said. “Elizabeth May has always spoken with us, and represented us in Ottawa with integrity, respect and truth.”

Ms. Sayers continued: “I believe that Canada needs First Nations, Métis and Inuit on the front lines defending the land; as elected Chiefs and Councils, and as hereditary Chiefs and elders holding and sharing our stories. I believe Canada needs us to be advocates to save and renew our languages, cultures and practises. Finally, I believe Canada also needs us in Parliament.”

The Green Party plan has been recognized by AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde for aligning with Closing the Gap, and includes:

• Creating a Council of Canadian Governments that Includes First Nations, Métis and Inuit Leaders;
• Implementing the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and launching a national inquiry into murdered and missing indigenous women;
• Reforming post-secondary education funding, including the removal of the 2% annual cap on increased funding for all First Nations and Inuit students;
• Partnering with First Nations for responsible resource development in the long-term public interest;
• Conducting timely, good faith negotiations to settle land and rights issue, and work with First Nations to find innovative solutions for implementing treaties and negotiate self government agreements, and find acceptable ways to phase out the Indian Act with the consent of First Nations;
• Implementing a National Housing Strategy that includes $800 million for basic infrastructure on reserve;
• Launching a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and working to ensure that structural violence against indigenous communities is addressed; and
• Providing new federal funding for culturally appropriate education in traditional languages.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Sue Moen

sue.moen@greenparty.ca

250-465-8112

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Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, Green Party candidate (Cowichan – Malahat – Langford), former elected chief of the Quatsino First Nation:

“I am proud to stand as a Green Party candidate because of our leader’s unwavering commitment to aboriginal rights and title, defending the coastline, healing the planet, and the protecting the health and well-being of our people.”

Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada (Saanich – Gulf Islands):

“The Green Party welcomes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leaders to work in partnership with federal, provincial-territorial, and municipal leaders on our proposed Council of Canadian Governments,” Ms. May said. “As partners at the table, Indigenous leaders will decide how best to allocate financial resources within their communities, whether it be in healthcare, housing, or working to develop a responsible resource development strategy that meets the needs of Indigenous peoples.”