(M’Chigeeng First Nation, ON – August 9, 2021) Today, the Ontario Regional Chief, Glen Hare, issued the following statement on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples:
“Today, on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we recognize and celebrate the vibrant culture, ancestral traditions, diversity and contributions of First Nations and the many Indigenous peoples across Canada and worldwide,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare.
Each year, on August 9, people from across the globe are encouraged to commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and to promote recognition of the rights and freedom of indigenous peoples.
“The theme of this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is ‘Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.’ With this theme, we reflect on the achievements of Indigenous peoples in protecting their traditional lands, water and diverse languages while acknowledging there is much work to be done to ensure Indigenous rights are recognized and respected and treaties are honoured.
In recent months, the remains of thousands of children at the sites of former residential schools across the country have been located, and our communities are still mourning as more come to light and we work to bring them home. If we are to leave no one behind and work toward a new social contract based on partnership and understanding, we must use today as an opportunity to listen and learn about how we can make an equitable future for all that is inclusive of Indigenous peoples.
I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the federal and provincial governments to move forward on critical priorities for First Nations in Ontario, including conducting thorough and First Nations-led investigations of the sites of former residential schools in Ontario and ensuring proper mental health support for survivors, their families, and communities affected by these findings.”
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare
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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 inquiries, please contact:
Genna Benson
Communications Officer
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org
