Richard Edjericon

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to let you know that I'll be tabling my Member's statement and questions tomorrow as written statements - written questions so I could get my questions answered because I didn't get a full answer here today. But, again, I just want to add one question to the Premier that I'd like to have that commitment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yeah, I look forward to sitting down and having a good discussion on this because, you know, you already know that the Prime Minister of Canada already apologized, and we also had the Pope also apologize, for what happened at the Indian Day School here in Canada. And so we need to talk about that and we need to look at a process, but at the same time if we could have that discussion and agree on doing a public apology. You know, this is a good time to do it because we have Aboriginal Day coming up on June 21st. We have all the assemblies happening already throughout the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with heavy heart that I address this Chamber, not only as an Indigenous MLA representing the people of Tu NedheWiilideh, but also as a voice for the countless survivors of the unfathomable suffering experienced by our people in the Indian Day School institutions, the lasting impacts of which continues to reverberate through our communities.

After the transfer of responsibility for the Indian Day School to the Government of the Northwest Territories on April 1st, 1969, the hope was that a new era of education practices would begin, one that would foster a sense of...

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm surprised that, you know, it's 1969, it's only, like, 40 some odd or 45 years ago that nobody in the GNWT system, or in this House, has ever raised this issue. It's an issue that's outstanding that needs to be addressed. And it just boggles my mind that, you know, here I am talking about it today and it never showed up on your radars as the Premier here in the Northwest Territories. But regardless, you know, the transfer happened on April 1st, 1969, to the territorial government, and I'm also probably one of the students that were strapped, along with...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there's been a lot of work done to date in regards to dealing with Aboriginal people in Canada, and we have the Royal Commission Report, we have the Truth and Reconciliation Report. There's a lot of recommendations that were brought forward and recommendations that talks about reconciliation and public apology. And right now my questions are to the Honourable Premier and as follow up to the unresolved matter of the federal Indian Day Schools that I raised in March of 2023 here in the House.

Mr. Speaker, will the Premier acknowledge that abuse continued to...

Okay, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister here today apologize for the unlawful actions of his officers during the Timber Bay raid? We've been waiting for an apology from the Minister as a result of this court being thrown out. Would he apologize to my constituents, the chief and council, and the people in my riding? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, despite the high court the highest court in the land finding the actions of the GNWT unlawful on the raid of Timber Bay, the Minister has still refused to apologize and take steps to repair the relationships with Lutselk'e Dene First Nation.

Mr. Speaker, when will an internal review of the GNWT officers' conduct at Timber Bay be completed, and will the results be made public? This is the Minister of ENR. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise before you to express my grave concerns and utter disappointment with the lack of response to the unlawful raid conducted by the GNWT officers in Lutselk'e Dene First Nation Culture Camp at Timber Bay on September 13, 2022.

The failure to acknowledge this injustice is not only distressing but also raises serious concerns and questions about the actions and accountability of our government. The United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples stands as a beacon of hope and justice for Indigenous communities across the globe. It affirms the inherent...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I find it a little bit confusing. The judge has already made his decision. This case has already been thrown out. And because it's unlawful. So, again, Mr. Speaker, my constituents demand justice for the raid. I will ask again, will the Minister apologize here today for the unlawful action for his officers during the Timber Bay raid? Thank you.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, I guess, if I could make this a twopart question, I guess, maybe. When would the review be complete and the other one is, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister commit to meet me, with Chief Marlowe and the Lutselk'e Dene First Nation council and the elders, in the community of Lutselk'e to discuss a better collaborative relationship before the end of the term of this Legislative Assembly? Mahsi.