Nunavut MP, NDP leader say Liberal government in Canada has nothing to be proud of on National Indigenous Peoples Day

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he believes the Liberal government is “hypocritical” for saying it wants to make reparations for past sins against Indigenous people while also facing tough criticism of its handling of a number of key files.

Singh says the Liberals are hoping to turn the page and celebrate their achievements on reconciliation with First Peoples today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, but he believes they should instead be taken to task on their record.

The Liberals have faced several weeks of challenging questions following the discovery of what are believed to be the remains of 215 children at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

A number of Indigenous groups also condemned Ottawa’s action plan responding to the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, saying the development process was not consultative enough and calling the plan “fragmented.”

Ottawa was also in Federal Court last week challenging two Canadian Human Rights Tribunal rulings that found the federal government discriminated against Indigenous children by not properly funding child and family services.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau published a series of tweets today celebrating the “vibrant and diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples,” but he also acknowledged that action must be taken because “saying sorry is not enough.”

Filled with sadness & anger says Qaqqaq

Nunavut MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq acknowledged National Indigenous Peoples Day while speaking to the House of Commons on Monday.

She said the federal government ought to be ashamed of its record on serving Indigenous communities.

“It should be a day of celebration, of culture and history. But I am filled with a tremendous amount of sadness and anger,” Qaqqaq said.

“There is nothing for Indigenous peoples to be proud of in this institution.”

Related stories from around the North: 

Canada: Canada supports greater voice for Indigenous organizations on Arctic Council, Eye on the Arctic

Greenland: Greenland’s more prominent role on Arctic Council important signal to int’l community says foreign minister, Eye on the Arctic

Norway: Norway & Russia update agreement to avoid dangerous aircraft, warship encounters, The Independent Barents Observer

Sweden: Historic no-confidence vote topples government in Sweden, Radio Sweden

Russia:  Return to form for Arctic Council as Russia assumes leadership from Iceland, Eye on the Arctic

United States:  Putin, Biden talk Northern Sea Route, The Independent Barents Observer