(Toronto, ON – September 8, 2023) The Chiefs of Ontario has issued the following statement regarding the upcoming planned demonstration in Ottawa, ON, in opposition to Bill C-53:
The Chiefs of Ontario have invited all First Nations Leadership, technicians and grassroots people to attend a peaceful demonstration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, ON, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, to oppose the passing of Bill C-53.
The demonstration will represent people coming together to stand in unity to protect the legitimacy of First Nations rights. The Chiefs of Ontario do not support hatred, violence, racism or racist symbols, nor will any of the aforementioned be tolerated. We ask that those planning to attend in support of First Nations’ inherent and Treaty rights do so in a respectful, peaceful, and harmonious manner. The Chiefs of Ontario affirm that this demonstration will be held peacefully, and is not affiliated with any other protests or movement.
The Ottawa Police and Parliamentary Protective Service have been notified to this effect.
For more information and to stay up-to-date on this event, please visit www.fnrightsatrisk.ca.
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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.
Media Contact:
Chris Hoyos
Director of Policy and Communications
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Cell: (416) 579-4998
Email: Chris.Hoyos@coo.org
