The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples released Illuminating the Way: Beholding Power and Place – Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGTBQQIA+ peoples National Action Plan. The plan is in response to the release of the 2019 Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. “This plan is a … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is demanding the federal government take immediate action to address the systemic racism in Canada’s correctional system. “The [Auditor General’s] most recent report reiterates the systemic problems highlighted in three previous reports,” said CAP National Chief Elmer St. Pierre. “How many reports will it take before Ottawa takes action, and commit to reconciliation?” … Read more
May marks one year since the discovery of unmarked graves at the Kamloops, B.C. residential school. “On the one-year anniversary of the discovery of these tragedies Canadians need to stand up to their elected officials and demand they take further action to ensure no child goes unfound,” said CAP National Chief Elmer St. Pierre. “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) … Read more
It’s with profound sadness that the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples has learned that one of its most significant leaders, former National Chief Robert Bertrand, passed away on May 17. “My predecessor’s work will forever live to serve Off-Reserve First Nations, Metis and Southern Inuit,” said current CAP National Chief Elmer St. Pierre. “Bob was dedicated to seeing the … Read more
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Vice Chief Kim Beaudin issued a statement: “Since the onset of the pandemic, CAP has continuously called on provincial governments to release low-risk offenders and those on remand due to the risk of COVID-19. Although some progress was made, more measures must be taken to respect the human rights of all … Read more
On April 14, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada gave its decision in Daniels v. Canada, declaring the federal government has a legal responsibility to Métis and Non-Status Indigenous people, as it does with all other Indigenous peoples. Six years later, little action has been taken. “The final ruling was a moment of relief, justice, and promise of … Read more
“This Budget falls short for Indigenous communities across the board,” said Congress of Aboriginal Peoples national chief Elmer St. Pierre. Although encouraging to see commitment to work through the CMHC to co-develop and launch an Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, the $300 million investment over five years is simply insufficient. CAP commends the government for … Read more
The Canadian Indigenous delegation to Rome, comprised of Indigenous leaders, Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth, began its meetings with Pope Francis. Having been excluded from the formation of the delegation, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) urges officials to consider all Indigenous Peoples in Canada in their discussions of reconciliation, including off-reserve status and non-status … Read more
Following a June 2021 constitutional challenge from First Nations families seeking to end the inequities and exclusion faced by families who were enfranchised under previous versions of the Indian Act, Indigenous Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario Patty Hajdu (Thunder Bay-Superior North, Ont.) announced that litigation will be put on hold … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples renewed its call for the Government of Canada to release Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance immediately. These Indigenous sisters have spent nearly 30 years in prison. “They deserve a formal apology and their records expunged. It’s time that the Canadian government owns up to this miscarriage of justice,” said CAP National Vice Chief, Kim Beaudin. N. … Read more
