2018.04 RECONCILING WITH CANADA’S ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
Whereas #1 the Government of Canada established the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, tabled its Report in 1996, and failed to address its recommendations; and
Whereas #2 the living conditions of people on some reserves have continued to deteriorate with boil water advisories lasting many years, overcrowded substandard housing, lower quality education opportunities, and inadequate health services; and
Whereas #3 the Government of Canada recognized the need to address the legacy of the Residential School system which was operating between 1876 (the Indian Act) and 1996, and established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2009 which listened to residential school survivors who testified to their past experiences, and their current troubles; and
Whereas #4 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission tabled its report in 2015, including 94 recommendations for improving the relationship between the Aboriginal peoples, the Government of Canada and the churches that ran the Residential Schools, but moreover with us, the other Canadians; therefore be it
Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy acknowledgement of the rights of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and support for the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report; and be it further
Resolved #2 that the NCWC urge the Government of Canada to: 1. implement the 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission without delay, and to report at least annually on progress; and 2. prioritize those recommendations that address the human rights of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples, for example, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) housing, education and health services; and be it further
Resolved #3 that NCWC strongly recommend to the Government of Canada to NOT destroy the historic records and testimony of the affected Survivors of the Residential Schools System; and be it further
Resolved #4 that the NCWC urge its members to continue to move toward reconciliation with Canada’s Aboriginal peoples.