(June 21, 2023) This is National Indigenous Day, a day for all Canadians to recognize the history, culture and contributions of all Indigenous peoples in this country. Métis, First Nations and Inuit peoples have all contributed to building our country.
While our relationships with our country have often been challenging, it has taken many years but improvements are being made and governments are recognizing the important role that Indigenous peoples have in building a stronger Canada. There is still much work to do.
BC Métis Leader and former MNBC President Clara Morin Dal Col says, “I am a proud Métis woman who ever since I was born in Ile-a la-Crosse have taken pride in who I am thanks to the teachings of my Kokum and my mom, and others around me. We do have our own collective identity, language and culture that we should always be proud of. Nobody can ever take that from us.”
She points out, “Métis are specifically recognized under the Canadian Constitution, the 46 Articles of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) also apply to us, and the Government of Canada through the Canada-Métis Accord of April 2017 for the very first time committed to among other things to promote and advance the recognition of the Métis Nation and to advance reconciliation of the rights, claims, interests and aspirations of the Métis Nation and those of all Canadians."
Ms. Morin Dal Col says, “So not only on this day – National Indigenous Day – but throughout the year, remember who you are, always be proud of who you are and never forget where you come from because we have much work to do for our children and their role in the future of our country.”
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For further information:
Contact Clara Morin Dal Col
BC Métis Leader
Email: cmdalcol@gmail.com
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