Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Asks Governor General and Prime Minister to Recall Appointment of Charles Adler to represent Manitoba in the Senate
August 19, 2024
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is offended and disappointed by the recent appointment of Charles Adler to the Senate of Canada as recommended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to represent Manitoba.
AMC is alarmed because Charles Adler’s past comments, in which he referred to Indigenous people as “uncivilized boneheads” and criticized First Nations Leadership and communities with grossly offensive language, are a stark reminder of the systemic racism that plagues our society. These are not just passing remarks. They were and still are hurtful, but they also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about First Nations now that this is once again being brought to light because of this appointment.
The AMC filed formal complaints against Adler’s vulgar and racist commentary in the past, and it is obvious that Canada and the Prime Minister have turned a blind eye to these offensive views when making this appointment to the Senate. The AMC is asking both the Governor General of Canada and the Prime Minister to reconsider and recall this appointment as they view it as a step backward in the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and the recognition of First Nations rights in Canada.
Grand Chief Cathy Merrick expressed the collective outrage felt by many: “The appointment of Charles Adler to the Senate is a grave insult to all First Nations in Manitoba and across Canada. Senators are supposed to be accomplished Canadians from various professional backgrounds. They introduce bills, propose new laws, suggest amendments to legislation passed by the House of Commons, review public policy and debate issues. His racist comments do not indicate a modicum of respect, equality, and justice that are supposed to guide our society. How can any First Nation feel that his reviews of legislation impacting reserves, treaties, and inherent rights would be even remotely favourable to the original peoples of these lands? Did Canada not learn from the situation surrounding former Senator Lynn Beyak?”
The AMC calls on the Governor General and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reconsider this appointment and to prioritize individuals who truly represent the values of inclusion, respect, and reconciliation. We also urge the public to stand with us in condemning this appointment and to hold our leaders accountable for the decisions they make in shaping our country’s future.
The AMC will continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of First Nations Peoples and will not remain silent in the face of such blatant racism and disrespect.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.