SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — National Indigenous History Month

Honourable senators, I rise today to mark National Indigenous History Month. It is a time for all of us in this chamber and across Canada to reflect on the profound legacy, vibrant cultures and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis People.

When we look at our history, we have to be completely honest and acknowledge the grave and painful injustices of the past. We cannot and must not ignore the facts. Even as we recognize this difficult history, we also recognize the incredible strength of Indigenous communities. For generations, in the face of sustained attempts to erase their languages and culture, Indigenous Peoples have kept their traditions alive and well.

Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have been steadfast guardians of the air, the water and the wild creatures. Their traditional approach to resource management offers important lessons for our shared future.

The history of Canada is inextricably linked with the achievements of remarkable Indigenous trailblazers who have broken barriers in every corner of our society. We think of political and institutional giants like Louis Riel, a foundational Father of Confederation. We remember the Honourable James Gladstone, Canada’s first Indigenous senator, and we remember Leonard Marchand, who broke barriers in the other place as the first Indigenous member of Parliament and later the first Indigenous cabinet minister.

These early trailblazers truly paved the way for leading figures we see today. We see their legacy in recent examples, like Her Excellency Mary Simon, who served Canada as the first Indigenous Governor General. I also think of our late colleague the former Senator Murray Sinclair, who I felt always provided a path forward that was rooted in grace rather than division. He beautifully argued that true reconciliation is about finding a way to put Indigenous names on buildings and by focusing our energy on adding to our history rather than erasing it or tearing it down. We see that legacy alive today in all the colleagues with whom we are exceptionally privileged to share this chamber, who represent Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast.

You work every single day to ensure these vital histories are brought to light. You bring an irreplaceable wealth of perspective, lived experience and Traditional Knowledge to our debates. You are vital, fierce voices for your communities, keeping us grounded and ensuring that truth stays at the forefront of everything we do in this institution.

The truth is that there are so many individuals whose names may not yet be etched onto national monuments but whose strength and vision built this great country.

Colleagues, National Indigenous History Month is more than a look back at the past; it is a live comment about our future. Let’s ensure we are listening to the voices within this chamber and, most importantly, across the country. Let’s honour the history makers who built this land and worked together towards a shared Canadian future rooted in truth, progress and true mutual respect.

Thank you, colleagues.