New Brunswick is amending a motion recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation because of a First Nations land claim before the courts.
The original motion, submitted by Green Party Leader David Coon, said New Brunswick was on the unceded and traditional homeland of First Nations. It also described the abuse suffered by Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools.
Instead, the provincial government amended the motion to remove the word “unceded” and to include that residential schools were located in provinces other than New Brunswick.
Premier Blaine Higgs told reporters today that the government can’t say one thing in a motion and something different while defending itself in court.
He was referring to a title claim filed last November by six Wolastoqey chiefs for 60 per cent of New Brunswick’s territory.
Chief Ross Perley of Tobique First Nation says he appreciates that the province will recognize the Day for Truth and Reconciliation every year on Sept. 30, but he says the motion falls short by not making the day a statutory holiday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2022.
© 2022 The Canadian Press
