The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is happy to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, but the federal government’s policy of exclusion and division has left hundreds of thousands behind. “While millions of Canadians celebrate our rich cultures and history, the federal government released its UNDRIP Action Plan that ignores and excludes the needs of our Indigenous Peoples,” says CAP … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is pleased to see the federal government fulfilling commitments to help the families of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, but accountability and targeted funding for grassroots organizations must be paramount. Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti (LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, Que.) announced $95.8 million dollars to help families of missing and … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is relieved to report that Charman Smith, held in Turkey since 2016, will finally be returning home to Canada and to her home community in the Yukon. A member of Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Smith was jailed in November 2016 for unknowingly being in possession of the stimulant ‘khat’, planted in her suitcase on … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is calling on Senators to ensure all Indigenous Peoples are included in the planned Reconciliation Council being created by Bill C-29 and a “Call to Action” from the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ 2015 report. “There are five National Indigenous Organizations, but for some reason the Liberal Government is playing partisan politics … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is deeply disturbed after learning an Edmonton police officer Const. Ben Todd will not be charged after kicking then 18-year-old Pacey Dumas in the head on Dec. 9, 2020. “Time and time again, police are not held accountable for this kind of violence against Indigenous people,” said CAP National Chief Elmer St. Pierre. “Governments … Read more
On April 14, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada declared for the first time, that the federal government has constitutional responsibility for Métis and Non-Status Indians. Despite the landmark legal victory, very little progress has been made on key areas of Indigenous rights and recognition at the federal level. “This federal government is not helping to … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is calling on the federal government to make significant investments in several areas, to ensure urban Indigenous Peoples have the same opportunities as others, in a fast-changing environment. “Ottawa must drop their distinctions-based approach to Indigenous needs,” says CAP National Chief Elmer St. Pierre. “While the feds pick and choose … Read more
After 30 years behind bars for a crime they didn’t commit, Nerissa Quewezance and Odelia Quewezance were finally granted bail at a Saskatchewan courthouse on March 27. For three decades, the women were bounced through a justice system filled with racism and prejudice. “Today’s decision finally brings a small piece of justice to these women,” says … Read more
In recognition of International Women’s Day, National Chief Elmer St. Pierre stated: “CAP recognizes and honors the contributions and experiences of Indigenous women around the world. Indigenous women have long been at the forefront of social, economic, and environmental justice movements, advocating for the rights of their communities and protecting their lands and cultures. Despite … Read more
Urban Indigenous people and their challenges, successes and issues were front and centre in a meeting between the Congree of Aboriginal Peoples’ leadership and Francisco Calí Tzay, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in Ottawa on March 1. “Support from international bodies like the United Nations is important to the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and our community’s needs,” … Read more
