Walking in peace and friendship.
Phoenix Youth Programs stands in solidarity with the Mi'kmaq community in ensuring their treaty and human rights are honoured.
We make this statement in reference to treaty rights outline in the Peace and Friendship Treaties, as well as human rights outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including but not limited to: land, wildlife harvesting, self-government, decolonized education, appropriate housing, sanitation (clean water), health and social security.
Phoenix recognizes and supports the Mi'kmaq treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood, as protected by the Peace and Friendship Treaties and as declared by the Supreme Court of Canada in the 1999 Marshall decision. We are fervently against all instances of racism and violence the Sipekne’katik First Nation and others are facing as they enact these rights.
October 1st is Treaty Day and the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month. On this day and every day, Phoenix Youth Programs stands in solidarity with the Mi’kmaq community, and other Indigenous communities across Canada, and reaffirms our desire to walk in peace and friendship.
Treaty Day recognizes the significance and the role of the Peace and Friendship Treaties. We acknowledge that it is a privilege to live and work in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. At Phoenix, we know treaty rights are sacred, powerful, and must be honoured as outlined in recommendation 45 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Mi’kmaq History Month is a time to learn and share the history and stories of Mi’kmaq communities and celebrate the vibrant and beautiful culture of those who were here first in Mi’kma’ki.
We believe that to advance social justice, we must listen and learn from Indigenous Elders, community leaders, youth, and support the journey to healing and reconciliation. We recognize the importance of amplifying Mi’kmaq voices and engaging in an on-going and open discourse with the community. As an agency, we have committed to advancing education and inclusion within our staff, programs and spaces and to building ongoing relationships with local Mi’kmaq communities and agencies.
We are all treaty people.
Resources:
Treaty Day: https://www.unsm.org/treaty-day https://youtu.be/8h5QhkZzrbY
Peace and Friendship Treaties: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028589/1539608999656
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1309374407406/1309374458958
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action: http://www.trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
