Plan for Advancing Reconciliation
Lennox Island, PE - Reconciliation is more than just a word: it’s action leading to restoration. The Mi’kmaq of Epekwitk, as the first and original people of this Island we all call home, must be made full partners in governance. They must be given a full place in all decisions impacting them, their communities, and their right to self-governance. Reconciliation between Indigenous and settler peoples is fundamental to the future of our province.
Under a Green government, we will advance reconciliation by:Immediately establishing a senior-level position in government dedicated to Aboriginal content in education at the assistant deputy minister level or higher as per the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action #62;
Giving Indigenous youth a voice in matters that affect them by lowering the voting age to 16 years in provincial and municipal elections;
Supporting Mi’kmaq initiatives in housing, economic development, and other priorities identified by the Mi’kmaq self-government;
Establishing a Mi’kmaq-specific business equity fund;
Integrating Mi’kmaq rights and culture into provincial law;
Supporting Mi’kmaq in the exercise of their constitutionally protected, legal Treaty rights;
Working with L’nuey in fostering culture, education, and language preservation and promotion across the Island; and
Providing a recurring $100k grant to contribute to the Indigenization of UPEI.
Quotes:
“There must be more to reconciliation than land acknowledgements and nice words. There must also be action. I am proud to be a part of the Green Party’s commitment to make space for Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Youth, and our entire community in decisions that affect our Island home. Together we will foster and advance Mi’kmaq initiatives in areas like language preservation and promotion, self-government, and including Mi’kmaq rights and culture in provincial law.”
Richard Lush, Green Candidate for District 25, O’Leary-Inverness
“To achieve meaningful reconciliation, we must be prepared to do more than pay lip service with words. Reconciliation needs leadership and a willing partner who recognizes and understands it is only accomplished when Indigenous people have a full seat at the table as equal partners in determining our collective future. Greens are prepared to do the hard work of reconciliation and support the self-government initiatives of Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications, Green Party of PEI
Tel: (902) 916-7816
Email: jonathan.hamel@greenparty.pe.ca
