Canada/Mount Pearl adopts declaration for reconciliation with Aboriginals

The City of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, has adopted a declaration pledging to advance truth and reconciliation efforts, and to respect the inherent rights of its aboriginal citizens.

The declaration is a commitment to support the calls to action (New Window) made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the calls for justice in the final report (New Window) of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls , and the actions for change (New Window ) outlined in the community action plan of the First Voice Aboriginal Coalition in Saint John . of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls, and the 42 actions for change (New Window) outlined in the community action plan of the First Voice Aboriginal Coalition in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Mount Pearl is committed to being a place where the inherent rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador, including urban Aboriginal populations, are respectfully recognized and actively supported by all," said Mayor Dave Aker at the September 17 City Council meeting.

This requires advancing truth and reconciliation by working together, decolonizing municipal practices and policies [and] government structures to better reflect Aboriginal perspectives and rights.

The City of Saint John adopted a similar declaration in September 2020.

At First Light, a charitable organization that offers free cultural programs in the capital and was the driving force behind the First Voice coalition, we're pleased to see another municipality making such a commitment.

Two of its representatives were present at the signing of the declaration at Mount Pearl.

We've done a lot of work in recent years to amplify Aboriginal and urban Aboriginal voices," said Heidi Dixon, the organization's Director of Programs.

Justin Campbell, Director of Advocacy at First Light, notes that it's important for statements like these to be more than empty platitudes, and to encourage municipalities to take concrete action to improve certain things.

He calls for cooperation. It's important that these efforts are led by aboriginals, but that not all the work rests on them," said Justin Campbell. We all have a role to play in truth and reconciliation.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/