04) TRUDEAU’S INDIGENOUS POLICY: GRASSROOTS PRESSURE NEEDED

 

People’s Voice Commentary

 

            The October 19 federal election was the longest campaign since the 1870s, and the most expensive in Canada’s history, thanks to electoral law changes which allowed the major parties to spend tens of millions. Interestingly, voter turnout rose sharply, despite strategies by the ousted Conservatives to make it more difficult to cast a ballot. It remains to be seen whether the new Prime Minister will live up to his promise to reform the electoral system, but on this occasion the mood for change among millions of people swept away the Harper government’s attempts to entice their own base to vote while discouraging the rest of the population.

 

            One factor in this outcome was an unprecedented level of participation by aboriginal voters, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. In some indigenous communities, ballots ran out on voting day, because Elections Canada underestimated the likely turnout. More First Nation, Métis and Inuit candidates ran for office than ever before - over 40 for the major parties, and many more for other parties, including half a dozen for the Communist Party of Canada. A record ten of these candidates were elected, including new Vancouver Granville Liberal MP Jody Wilson-Raybould, Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations, who may be named to Trudeau’s cabinet.

 

            One issue raised repeatedly during the campaign was the demand for a public inquiry into the tragedy of over 1200 murdered and missing aboriginal women and girls over the past 35 years. Stephen Harper stubbornly rejected this demand, which was backed by virtually every indigenous group in Canada and backed by all other political parties, provincial governments, and even police chiefs.

 

            Now, Justin Trudeau says he will launch such an inquiry within 100 days. In fact, he pledged to implement all of the 93 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, such as full acceptance of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which states "Indigenous Peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired."

 

            During the campaign, Trudeau spoke to the Assembly of First Nations, took part in APTN's "Virtual Town Hall" broadcast, and responded to questions from the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres. He recognized the importance of the Two Row Wampum, the historic treaty signed by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquoian) people and the British colonizers.

 

            He promised to review all Harper-era legislation on First Nations, and repeal those which contravene Section 35 of the Constitution respecting aboriginal and treaty rights. If he follows through, this should mean an end to the Harper government's Indian Act amendments, and much more.

 

            He committed to closing the gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples in education, and advancing housing, health, policing, and child welfare issues, through a renewed Kelowna Accord effort. Specific promises included clean drinking water for aboriginal communities, improved food security in northern areas, action to tackle the root causes of urban homelessness, a rigorous environmental assessment process, addressing the economic and legal concerns of the Metis nation, and building the Freedom Road to Shoal Lake #40 in Manitoba.

 

            But as many have pointed out, federal Liberal governments have often broken promises given to aboriginal peoples. Justin’s late father Pierre committed to a "just" new direction on Indian policy, but instead his government delivered the 1969 white paper aimed at assimilation. In 1993, the Jean Chretien Liberals campaigned for an Aboriginal rights platform, which was then completely dropped. While the Harper Tories were widely condemned for the funding cap which has reduced resources for aboriginal communities over the past two decades, this cap was first imposed by the Chretien government.

 

            Given this history, aboriginal peoples across Canada are watching with great interest. Will the new Prime Minister act on his many promises, and engage in full and respectful consultation? Or will the Liberals find excuses to delay, water down and forget these statements?

 

            One thing is certain: relying on Justin Trudeau’s personal intentions and fine words is not enough. A combination of pressure from indigenous grassroots movements such as Idle No More and from the official organizations such as the AFN and the Metis National Council will be needed to hold the PM’s feet to the fire.

 

(The above article is from the November 1-15, 2015, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading socialist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)