Assembly of First Nations takes Trudeau to task over racism, rights and reconciliation
Grieving mothers who have tragically lost their children at the hands of police made heartfelt pleas for action from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) annual winter meeting in Ottawa. The emotional appeals highlighted the urgent need for accountability and justice in cases where Indigenous individuals have been killed by law enforcement.
During his speech at the event, Trudeau faced scrutiny from First Nations leaders on issues such as racism in policing, unfulfilled promises from 2015, and a lack of direct consultation with chiefs. Chief Kelsey Jacko of Cold Lake First Nations in Alberta criticized the prime minister for delegating the government’s duty to consult with Indigenous communities to the AFN, without engaging directly with the rights holders of the land.
Some chiefs in Alberta even called for the dissolution of the AFN, expressing their dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of Indigenous issues. Trudeau responded by stating that it was not the federal government’s place to dictate who should represent First Nations, and expressed willingness to work with any organization chosen by the communities.
One of the most poignant moments of the assembly came when a group of mothers, who had lost their children in encounters with police, shared their stories. Edith Wells, whose son Jon Wells died in a confrontation with Calgary police, tearfully appealed to Trudeau for action to prevent further tragedies. The mothers’ testimonies underscored the urgent need for police reform and accountability in cases of Indigenous deaths.
The assembly passed a resolution calling for a national inquiry into systemic racism in policing, urging the government to address the pervasive issue of violence and death among Indigenous communities. Trudeau pledged to do everything within his power to address the concerns raised, although he did not directly respond to the call for an inquiry.
In addition to Trudeau, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet also faced criticism from chiefs at the assembly. Singh supported the demand for a national inquiry into systemic racism in policing, while Blanchet’s speech was met with boos after he made controversial remarks about Indigenous land rights.
The discussions at the assembly also focused on the future of the child welfare system, with chiefs rejecting a federal offer to reform the program. Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu expressed disappointment with the decision, emphasizing the need to address the chronic underfunding of on-reserve child welfare services.
Despite the challenges and tensions at the assembly, the dialogue and advocacy for Indigenous rights and justice continue to be a priority for First Nations leaders. The meeting concluded with a call for continued negotiations and collaboration between Indigenous communities and the government to address pressing issues affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada.
