In the Name of Truth and Reconciliation–
Atlantic Federal Liberal Caucus call upon Premier Higgs and GNB to acknowledge the unceded and traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’kmaq and Peskotomuhkati
November 16, 2021
FREDERICTON/Wolastoqey Territory: Following the announcement of the new policy on land acknowledgement by the provincial government on October 14, 2021, the Federal Liberal Atlantic Caucus came together and issued a letter to respectfully call upon Premier Higgs and the Government of New Brunswick to rescind their memorandum and respect government employees’ freedom to express support as allies and honour the truth with land acknowledgements including the terms unceded, unsurrendered.
‘’As members of Parliament, it is incumbent upon each of us to walk the path of reconciliation in good faith, with respect, in partnership with Indigenous peoples, community leadership and traditional governance to ensure a better way forward.’’ (Atlantic Liberal Caucus).
Prior to issuing the letter, a meeting took place on November 15 between the Wolastoqey Chiefs and the honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and MP Jenica Atwin to further discuss their concerns over the strained relations with the Government of NB and reaffirm the necessity for Nation-to-Nation dialogue in all aspects of the decision-making process.
“I am encouraged that, with my Liberal colleagues, we are demonstrating that we need to engage, listen, and learn while taking action to ensure treaties and ancestral rights are honoured. We are all Treaty people,’’ said Jenica Atwin (MP, Fredericton).
For more information, please contact:
Maryse Nadeau
506-452-4076
maryse.nadeau.253@parl.gc.ca
