Member’s Statement –Truth and Reconciliation Report, June 2, 2015
Mr. Speaker, today Mr. Justice Murray Sinclair released findings and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As Chief Justice McLaughlin said in a speech last Friday, the removal of aboriginal children from their families to strip them of their language and culture constitutes cultural genocide. Justice Sinclair says it is the responsibility of political leaders across this country to take action now. Mr. Speaker, as members of the provincial Legislature it is our obligation and responsibility to take the necessary steps to safeguard and promote the languages and cultures of the First Nations people in New Brunswick. This means direct support to ensure First Nation children have access to language immersion programs in school. I trust that in the coming days and weeks, the Premier will visit First nation communities throughout New Brunswick to discuss how to best move forward to safeguard their languages and cultures.