Georgina Jolibois at her parliamentary swearing-in. Photo courtesy Twitter
This week, the Dene language was spoken for the first time ever during a parliamentary oath.
The new NDP MP for Desnethe-Missinippi Churchill River, Georgina Jolibois, made history as one of four NDP members who swore to uphold the Indigenous treaties during her swearing-in. She spoke in Dene for that portion of the oath of allegiance.
Jolibois says the experience was special because her family was there.
“It was amazing, it was a wonderful experience. Mom and dad were there and it was one of them ost, proudest moments of my life,” she said.
The NDP says its MPs were inspired by a recommendation made by the Truth and Reconciliation Comission recommendation that called for recognition of treaties during the Oath of Canadian Citizenship.
This is what Jolibois said in her oath, along with Romeo Saganash, Nicki Ashton, and Pierre Nantel:
“And, I solemnly affirm that, in the carrying out of my duties, I shall honour and respect the treaties signed with Indigenous Peoples.”
Parliament resumes for the first time since the election on Thursday. Jolibois says aboriginal issues will be front and centre as she takes a seat in Parliament.
“On the aboriginal file, the NDP had many platforms similar to the Liberals and continue to push on those issues that are pertinent to all aboriginal people, especially to people in my riding,” she said.
She’s spent a lot of time over the past few weeks with her fellow MPs going through orientation on their new roles in Ottawa, and brushing up on her new files in the shadow cabinet. She’s the NDP’s deputy critic of indigenous and northern affairs, and the critic for Western Economic Diversification Canada.
Jolibois is among 214 newly-elected MPs to take their seats. Their first vote will be to choose from one of four people to be the speaker of the house.