Photo courtesy afn.ca
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked First Nations people to trust his government’s decision to approve two pipelines despite push back from some Indigenous groups.
Last week, Ottawa approved two pipelines in Western Canada, while rejecting a third.
Trudeau addressed the issue this afternoon at the Assembly of First Nations Special Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec.
He spoke about his government’s continued effort to build nation-to-nation relationships with Canada’s Indigenous people.
“I know there are people in this room who deeply disagree with our decision (on pipelines), just as there are those who agree with those decisions,” says Prime Minister Trudeau. “The test of our relationship is not whether we will always agree, the test of our relationship is if we can move forward together. That means moving forward in respect, which means listening, hearing and understanding.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about the promises made to First Nations. He spoke about his governments efforts in implementing the Calls to Action from the TRC, providing safe access to clean drinking water for First Nations, improved First Nations education and the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women.
“I am encouraged that finally we are working together,” he says. “We all have much more work to do.”
During his address, Trudeau also committed to the development and implementation of an Indigenous Languages Act to preserve traditional languages, which drew applause from those in attendance.
“Co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, protection and revitalization of First Nation, Metis and Inuit languages in this country,” Trudeau told the gathering.
He also says Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould will work with cabinet to “decolonize” laws that harm Aboriginal rights.
After his address, the Prime Minister received a standing ovation from those in attendance.