Share on socials
Today marks the 20th National Aboriginal Day in Canada. The GPO extends a sincere thank you to aboriginal people across the province and country – First Nations, Inuit, and Métis – for your contributions to our communities, province and country.
I’m inspired by the leadership of Aboriginal people in protecting and celebrating our water, land, natural and cultural heritage. All of us have so much to learn about sustainability from indigenous wisdom.
On this 20th year of celebration of all that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have brought to our province and country, and just after the 1 year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation report, it is time for action to address issues facing Aboriginal communities today.
The crises that we have witnessed in Attawapiskat, Grassy Narrows and other indigenous communities across our own province cannot be ignored.
The government must partner with indigenous communities to improve water and housing quality, invest in education and job training, work to settle land claims and to clean up the mercury still poisoning the river in Grassy Narrows.
The time for action is now. The government has an obligation to work with indigenous communities – with full partnership, participation, and respect – to make sure everyone in Ontario has access high quality health care, education, and economic opportunities.
— Mike Schreiner