Indigenous Affairs Minister vows ‘unwavering commitment’ to the ‘decolonization’ of Canada

During the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on March 25, Indigenous Affairs Minister Patty Hajdu discussed the efforts being made by Canada to decolonize themselves.

A video posted by True North’s Cosmin Dszurdsza shows Hajdu saying: “Each of these days serve as a stark reminder of the impacts of colonization, stark inequities and trauma, that continue to have such a significant impact on First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities across the country.”

The days she was speaking of were International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, World Water Day and World Tuberculosis Day.

“The work of decolonization and self-determination needs our steady and unwavering commitment, clear focus of equity funding, and opportunity, and a shared vision of a healthy future for everyone in the country,” she added.

She went onto say: “The prime minister has been very clear that working toward reconciliation requires the commitment of all cabinet ministers, so together with my colleagues, first nations, Inuit and Metis partners, and the public service, we are working to change our processes to better support indigenous self-determination, and the well-being and economic prosperity of all indigenous peoples in Canada.”

Canada have faced criticism for their treatment of indigenous people over the past few years and activists have used these incidents to burn down churches, tear down and vandalize statues of Queen Victoria and the father of confederation, John A. Macdonald. In 2022, Vancouver activists tore down a statue of “Gassy” Jack Deighton.