‘Canada was built on treaties’: Band councillor

MIRAMICHI - A Miramichi-area Indigenous leader says several of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action from more than a decade ago have been implemented, but plenty of work remains.

During the sixth annual National Truth and Reconciliation Day ceremony on Sept. 30 at Queen Elizabeth Park, Natoaganeg First Nation band councillor Merrill Martin said only 15 of the Calls to Action to redress the residential school system’s legacy and advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples have been enacted since their release in 2015, seven years after the commission was formed in 2008.

Martin, speaking on behalf of Natoaganeg Chief George Ginnish, said “some progress has been made” 11 years later.

“However, only 15 of the 94 Calls to Action have been fulfilled to date,” he said.

“Today, of all days, it’s critical to remember that Canada was built on treaties across our country through the sharing of resources that was meant to benefit all and honour the agreements between the Crown and First Nations.”