OTTAWA – Green Leader Elizabeth May met with Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence today on Victoria Island. She is the first political party leader to meet with her. Chief Spence is in Day 25 of her hunger strike.
“I am grateful that Chief Spence was willing to meet with me. I know from personal experience how weak one becomes after weeks without food. I remain very concerned for her health,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands.
“I am relieved that the Prime Minister has agreed to meet chiefs on January 11th. He is to be commended for taking this step to resolve issues between First Nations and the Crown,” added May.
“In my meeting, I was impressed with Chief Spence's resolve. It is not easy to take the path she has taken. Still, we need to be mindful to the fact that the Idle No More movement is not directly connected to her hunger strike. It is critical that she ends her fast and takes care of her health. Her fast has been a catalyst, but it is just the beginning of turning a new page in the relationship between aboriginal Canadians, First Nations and all levels of non-indigenous government. We have a long way to go to demonstrate respect for treaty rights and inherent indigenous rights under our Constitution and under international law,” concluded May.
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Stéphane Vigneault
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