SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Indigenous Peoples

Honourable senators, I stand to pay tribute to the committee members of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples. This first tribute is specifically to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit senators.

Understanding the impact of politics and legislation on the lives of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and non-status peoples is no simple task. No people in Canada have interacted with as many complex layers of government and politics over the centuries as First Nations and Inuit Peoples have. No other people have their relationship with the state defined as First Nations and Inuit do.

Thank you for reconciling your obligations with the complex challenge of recognizing and advancing sovereignty and nationhood.

As ambassadors for the Senate and our people simultaneously, you exist in two worlds: the colonial, democratic institution of the Senate, from where you provide service, advocacy, education, awareness and voice, but you also represent our people who are engaged in historical and ongoing struggles against oppression, discrimination and racism. Reconciling your roles within the context of these two worlds is at the heart of your representation.

Thank you for everything you were before you came to the Senate. You needed that lived experience, with its cultural teachings and ways of being and knowing, so that you could educate and build awareness to foster compassion within this chamber and in committee.

Thank you for your dedication to see and fight racism, seek justice, and bring hope and change to First Nations, Métis, Inuit and non-status lives.

As senators, you advocate directly for their interests, rights, priorities and goals, although the ways you do so are unfortunately shaped and constrained by Canada’s colonial institutions. You skillfully manœuvre through both the opportunities and obstacles built into the system.

As stated by one of the elected First Nations in a study:

Every day as a Chief you’re fighting the government to make changes. One of the ways to make change is to get on the inside and make changes on the inside. You respect the nationhood of the nation that you come from. They want their sovereignty and self-determination. That is critical, that needs to happen. But you’ve got to find ways to make it happen.

When you saw something wrong, like discrimination, and you had the capacity to make it right, you understood the sacred responsibility to make it right and you did.

How do you make a difference? Beautiful things start with just one, but when you work together, it is so much more powerful. Thank you. I am so honoured to walk this journey with you. Kinanâskomitinawow.