Indigenous leaders meet with Quebec lawmakers over Bill 96 concerns

Only a day after Indigenous leaders spoke out in opposition to Invoice 96 on the nationwide meeting, Kahnawake’s grand chief met with the minister chargeable for Indigenous affairs.

With Invoice 96 anticipated to go within the coming weeks, Indigenous leaders had been pushing for a gathering with lawmakers prior to later to debate the invoice and its penalties for his or her communities.

On Friday, Grand Chief Kahsennanhawe Sky-Deer, Meeting of First Nations Quebec-Labrador Chief Ghislain Picard and Gesgapegiag Chief John Martin had a one-hour digital assembly with each Minister Chargeable for Indigenous Affairs Ian Lafrenière and French Language Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette.

“Once we initially began listening to in regards to the invoice, it was about training impacts,” stated Skye Deer. “This assembly undoubtedly had the area and alternative to current totally different areas equivalent to well being, social companies, justice, politics, and so forth.”

Indigenous communities worry the invoice will additional assimilate them into Quebec tradition, impede Indigenous scholar success, and even doubtlessly drive college students out of the province.

“I actually highlighted our long-standing historical past right here,” stated Skye Deer. “The truth that we have now our personal language and cultures that pre-dates and pre-exists.”

She says the assembly was a great begin however provides that there are extra discussions that have to happen.

“We requested for some commitments when it comes to shifting ahead, perhaps even establishing a working group, in order that we might take a look at options.”

Picard stated the one-hour assembly was a great gesture however not sufficient to deal with all their issues.

“One hour is one hour,” stated Picard. “It’s very restricted when it comes to offering our aspect to actually categorical the place 96 is creating issues and potential issues.”

Picard added he isn’t certain the Quebec authorities is keen to compromise.

“When the minister says we will discover administrative measures or preparations in order that it doesn’t impression First Nations communities, it’s not going far sufficient,” he stated.

Skye Deer agreed. She stated the federal government has at all times had a dismissive and boastful angle in the case of First Nations rights.

“I’m hopeful that we will discover one thing shifting ahead as a result of if not, it’s going to be a sizzling summer season.”

In an e mail to World Information, a spokesperson for the Indigenous affairs minister writes that Lafrenière and Jolin-Barrette met with Martin, Sky Deer and Picard Friday morning.

“They heard the issues expressed by the Indigenous nations and we reiterate that the federal government has the success and well-being of younger Indigenous folks at coronary heart,” the spokesperson wrote.

“We additionally invested almost $20 million in November to advertise the success and perseverance of Aboriginal college students.

“The federal government is dedicated to pursuing efforts and dealing with the Indigenous nations to search out concrete options to the difficulties they’re experiencing. Nonetheless, the Invoice 96 isn’t the fitting car to take care of these points.”

It’s unclear when a closing vote on the invoice will occur but it surely’s anticipated earlier than the tip of the spring parliamentary session. Indigenous leaders say they are going to do what it takes to get their exemption.