NSNDP

June 19th, 2020

Leblanc: Time for action on reconciliation

Halifax -- NDP Spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs and Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Susan Leblanc made the following statement ahead of National Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

“June is National Indigenous History Month and a time for focused reflection on the colonial systems that have shaped, often in deeply painful ways, the experiences of Indigenous people throughout all of our communities.
This year, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day occurs during a time when conversations about race and structural violence are at the global forefront. Protests are putting a needed spotlight on systemic racism and police brutality. In just the last two weeks, Chantel Moore and Rodney Levi, two Indigenous people, were killed by police in our region. It’s clear that the time for words has passed. It's time for action to protect Black and Indigenous lives.
Our NDP caucus continues to call for full implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, action to address systemic racism in policing, a recovery plan that includes Mi’kmaq voices and priorities, action to redress environmental racism, and policies that address the roots of racialized and gender-based violence.”

-30-