Trudeau thanked for commitment to First Nation issues

By Richard Coffin

The Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief is thanking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his commitment to First Nation issues during his time in office.   

In a statement, Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige says Trudeau’s efforts to promote reconciliation, improve living conditions, tackle boil water advisory issues, and recognize the sovereignty of the Anishinabek in their Treaty and unceded territories can be ‘viewed as some progress towards reconciliation’.  

“The initiatives undertaken by this Liberal government have not gone unnoticed; however, more tangible efforts must be made as our communities continue to live everyday with the ongoing issues including but not limited to Indian Residential School trauma, opioid epidemic, community safety, ongoing boil water advisories, and housing crisis,” Debassige says.  “While we remain steadfast in our commitment to our Anishinabek communities, we are open to a collaborative relationship with any government.” 

As the Liberal government transitions to new leadership, she adds they will continue to advocate for Canada to honour its Treaty relationship and its commitments to existing funding agreements, to continue discussions on funding agreements nearing completion, and not allow bureaucratic or administrative issues delay or prevent funding from flowing to our communities.  

“We wish Mr. Trudeau success in all future endeavours, baa maa pii,” says Debassige.  

Trudeau announced on Monday he’s resigning as Prime Minister and Liberal leader once a new leader is chosen by the party.