AMC stands in solidarity with First Nations in Quebec in their call for a response to the Viens Commission Calls to Action following the release of the final report
October 1, 2019
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Oct 1, 2019
Treaty One Territory, MB. _ The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs stands in solidarity with the First Nation and Inuit leadership of Quebec, following the release of the Viens Commission final report, an inquiry into Quebec’s treatment of Indigenous peoples.
The report says the Province of Quebec has failed to meet the needs of First Nations and Inuit people and confirms that Indigenous people in Quebec are victims of “systemic discrimination” in accessing public services. The Viens commission, named after its president, retired Superior Court justice Jacques Viens, was launched in 2016. A total of 1188 stories and opinions were shared before the final hearing in December 2018. In total, 277 citizens shared personal stories of their experience dealing with police, hospital staff and other public services. The 520-page report includes 142 calls to action.
“It’s disheartening to know that First Nations and Inuit people continue to face systemic discrimination when accessing public services in Canada,” said Grand Chief Arlen Dumas. “The results of the report are disappointing, but not surprising. There must be concerted efforts to address the disparities existing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Quebec’s social, political and economic systems and institutions. This same lens needs to be applied here in Manitoba given the Path to Reconciliation Act that was passed in 2016 by our provincial government. We need to be asking our First Nation people and the various service providers and organizations that are working to address gaps in the areas of child welfare, education, language and culture, and health and justice, if there continues to be inequality in accessing services. We would most likely hear the exact same stories”.