As we reflect today on the momentous significance of what Truth and Reconciliation means for all Canadians, on behalf of the next generation and the Chief and Council of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg we send this message out:
We ask all people in Canada to work together with us to address systemic racism in all systems and in all places within the government and society. We are the original Peoples of this land and we have to exist in white spaces. We require respect as we work towards reconciliation and take our rightful place economically, socially and politically in Canada.
Today especially, we ask that Canadians reflect on their internalized biases and remember the beautiful innocent children who fell victim to Canada’s colonial practices and policies. These children were our knowledge keepers and would have been our future. Our language and cultural values were lost with them. Righting the wrongs of the past is going to take generations. Work with us.