Singh tells AFN chiefs NDP will fight for Indigenous rights, justice for First Nations
New Democrats vow to continue fighting for justice and advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples if they are elected to Parliament, according to NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. Singh emphasized the importance of ensuring Indigenous Peoples have access to safe water, treaty and inherent rights, and public services free from racial discrimination during a virtual meeting with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).
Singh expressed his commitment to prioritizing Indigenous issues, stating that the human dignity of all people, especially the First Nations, must be respected. He highlighted the NDP’s past achievements in advocating for Indigenous rights, such as unanimously passing a motion recognizing residential schools as genocide and holding the Liberal government accountable for its treatment of Indigenous child advocates.
The AFN is hosting virtual forums with party leaders ahead of the general election, with each leader addressing key topics related to Indigenous issues. Singh urged voters to prevent a Liberal “supermajority” and cautioned against Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s promises of budget cuts and tax breaks, emphasizing the NDP’s track record of pushing the government to act on Indigenous rights.
One of the key topics discussed during the forum was the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including the right to give or withhold consent for projects affecting them. Singh pledged to uphold UNDRIP and ensure that Indigenous nations have a voice in any development projects that impact their communities.
The NDP’s platform includes commitments to address issues such as ending long-term boil water advisories on reserves, fully implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, and providing funding for communities searching for unmarked graves at residential school sites. The party also promises to combat residential school denialism, reform child and family services, address systemic violence and racism in institutions, and declare First Nations policing an essential service.
In contrast, the Liberal platform pledges to reintroduce legislation affirming First Nations’ right to clean drinking water, while the Conservative platform does not mention these issues. Singh’s message to First Nations chiefs emphasized the NDP’s unwavering commitment to advocating for Indigenous rights and holding the government accountable on these critical issues.
The NDP’s platform aligns with the values and priorities of Indigenous Peoples, promising to continue the fight for justice and respect for Indigenous rights if elected to Parliament. Singh’s address to the AFN underscores the party’s dedication to addressing the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities and working towards reconciliation and empowerment for all Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
