SIDNEY – The Green Party of Canada unequivocally reinforces its commitment to the principles of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. As the only party in Canada to have explicitly renounced the Doctrine of Discovery, Greens reject the outdated colonial doctrines of assimilation and acknowledge that the foundational narrative of Canada is intrinsically linked to the lands and legacies of Indigenous peoples. Today, Deputy Leader Rainbow Eyes, an Indigenous Land Defender whose territory is Knight Inlet B.C., faces 51 days in jail for the non-violent defence of Mother Earth.
The Indigenous wisdom and world view toward reconciliation and embracing Mother Earth with reverence and respect is essential for resisting exploitative Western economies. With the passage into law of the Green bill combating environmental racism and pursuing environmental justice, Green MPs will work to ensure toxic legacies, as in Kanesatake, are remediated and the health of local people protected. In addition, Bill C-226 will ensure Indigenous rights to harvest shellfish as protected in treaties will not be denied by bureaucratic dictates in the absence of evidence as happens in W̱SÁNEĆ territory.
The Green Party will advance justice and reconciliation through the development of a robust legal framework that implements the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It recognizes Indigenous governments as equal partners in this endeavour, prioritizing collaborative approaches over litigious confrontations, and ensuring the protection of Indigenous human rights and constitutionally guaranteed rights.
“We must combat the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system,” said co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault. “This outcome is a legacy of the systemic nature of our colonial past, which we need to change, and change it fast. The intergenerational trauma that communities face is a burden we all carry. ”
The Green Party is dedicated to investing in Indigenous-led restorative justice initiatives. It will advocate for the transfer of custody, treatment, and reintegration of Indigenous offenders to Indigenous communities and organizations, fostering healing and rehabilitation.
“We must continue to affirm Indigenous title as upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada in the precedent-setting ruling of the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the significant agreement on Haida Title,” said Elizabeth May, co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “This further includes advocating for land restitution and identifying federal and Crown lands that are appropriate for transfer to Indigenous ownership.”
In addressing the enduring repercussions of colonialism, the Green Party is committed to the full implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations in identifying all those stolen children from the residential school system and confirming what is held in government records of their fate. Greens also commit to acting on the calls from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiry.
Economic justice remains a paramount concern for the Green Party, as we seek to strengthen Indigenous economic sovereignty, enhance food security, and support Indigenous entrepreneurs through equitable procurement practices. Redressing the injustices in current child welfare policies is top of mind for Greens.
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