Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today addressed a group gathered at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, challenging those in attendance to make a difference by committing to reconciliation and action to close the gap in quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians.
“I know first-hand the challenge of making a difference, of making things right, in our path to achieving a better life for our peoples, and I know that this work cannot be done alone,” AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde told the gathering of students, educators, university officials, First Nations youth and Elders. “This is why I challenge First Nations and all Canadians to get on board to make a difference - to commit to reconciliation and action, to commit to closing the gap.”
AFN National Chief Bellegarde’s appearance at the University of Manitoba is part of a lecture series he is undertaking at post-secondary institutions to raise awareness of First Nations priorities and the role every Canadian can play in closing the gap. He will speak at the University of Regina tomorrow.
“The action we’re focused on is simple - closing the gap,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “Closing the Gap means making a commitment to addressing long-standing inequities between First Nations people and Canadians and the human rights violations experienced by First Nations people. The inequities are staggering and they’re holding us all back. Closing the gap will ensure we all succeed because when First Nations win, Canada wins.”
National Chief Bellegarde outlined First Nation priorities for the upcoming federal election and his plans to work with the government elected on October 19, and emphasized the importance of First Nations exercising the right to vote, a right only secured by First Nations in 1960.
“We want every Canadian to tell their politicians that First Nations priorities are Canada’s priorities, and to ask why there is always a great deal of talk, but never much action,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “We need your help. I need your help. Together, we will build a better country for all of us. Together we will close the gap.”
First Nations priorities for the federal election were announced by National Chief Bellegarde September 2 in Ottawa. The document “Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada” sets out action items and a vision for change through themes of Strengthening First Nations, Families and Communities; Sharing and Equitable Funding; Upholding Rights; Respecting the Environment; Revitalizing Indigenous Languages; and Truth and Reconciliation.
