Reconciliation.
There has been a lot of talk about reconciliation in recent years between Canada and Indigenous peoples.
Reconciliation starts with respect. Reconciliation means substantively changing the colonial relationship that has existed with Indigenous peoples for far too long.
We need to respect the Wet'suwet'en. That includes changing the way deal with major projects such as pipelines on their lands and across Canada.
The focus on what is happening in Wet'suwet'en lands has significant importance in our region. There has been renewed discussion of moving crude oil through the Port of Churchill.
At a time of impending catastrophic climate change with all of the potential environmental risks to Northern Manitoba it is absolutely critical that we take a stand to ensure that Indigenous and northern communities are not ignored. That we speak out. It is absolutely critical to respect Indigenous rights and the impact on the land, the water and our broader environment.
Respect. Change.
What reconciliation is really all about.
