Dear Mr. Prime Minister
Canada can take a meaningful step forward by recognizing First Peoples as founders of Canada… three founders not only English and French. There is significant support for such a move. Now that the will of thousands of individuals, the government and the private sector is moving toward taking such a step, enacting legislation to make this our new reality will help turn the tide to real change.
Gillian Steward wrote a terrific opinion piece in The Star outlining the what, why and how of achieving this end.
According to University of Calgary law professor Kathleen Mahoney …
“official recognition does not have to be included in the Canadian Constitution but it could become quasi-constitutional, much like the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Multiculturalism Act, and the Official Languages Act. These pieces of legislation express what it means to be Canadian; they express our values … recognition of First Nations as founding people would not only set the record straight, it would protect Indigenous languages, cultures, history, traditions, and laws just as they were protected for the British and French.”
Not only would this send a strong message to First Peoples that Canada recognizes what needs to be at the core of our country, but also this sends a message to those who cling to an out-dated flawed vision of the history of Canada. It is time to re-imagining a stronger vision of Canada based on what we say we believe in – an open, just and compassionate society.
Mr Prime Minister – your government needs to bring forth legislation to recognize the Original People on this land as one of three founders of Canada.
It ought to happen to this year in order to make Canada 150 something worth celebrating.
JUST DO IT.
The will is there. Just do it.
Talk soon
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