SIOUX LOOKOUT – Sol Mamakwa, Ontario NDP Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation critic, issued the following statement after Doug Ford skipped a meeting between Indigenous leaders and Canada’s premiers:
“It’s clear that Doug Ford and his government does not see Indigenous leaders as true partners. It was disheartening to see Mr. Ford skip the opportunity to attend the premiers and Indigenous leaders meeting, and added insult to injury when he refused to provide an explanation.
If Ford were truly committed to working with Indigenous leaders, and meeting our people, he would spend time in our communities, and meet with us outside of Queen’s Park.
All premiers need to take action to move reconciliation forward by meeting with Indigenous leaders in a government-to-government relationship. It’s time to move beyond lip service to meaningful engagement, and action. That starts with showing up, actively listening to concerns, and taking concrete steps toward meaningful agreed-upon solutions.”