An Act to proclaim Indigenous Genocide Education Week

Preamble

Whereas since time immemorial Indigenous People have lived and have been guardians of Turtle Island a part of which is the area now known as Canada.

Whereas settlers from France and England first landed on the portion of Turtle Island now known as Canada in the seventeenth century.

Whereas by trickery subterfuge, imposing settler law on the Indigenous People, failing to uphold treaties entered into under settler law, waging of war, spreading of disease, failing to recognize or limiting of sui generous rights, responsibilities and customs of the Indigenous People with regard to the Indigenous People’s guardianship of Turtle Island, free movement, residence, fishing, hunting, family relationships, tribal relationships, passing on of traditional knowledge and healing, as well as the imposition of residential school systems, the Indigenous People were made powerless subjects of settlers and the nations of France and Great Britain to which nations the settlers were beholden.

Whereas the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls have after examining documents, hearing testimony and great deliberation concluded that the conduct set out herein did take place.

Whereas the Commission into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls have after a lengthy investigation, review and analysis of documents, hearing of testimony, examining applicable laws, practices and customs concluded that the settlers and their decedents engaged in the cultural, social and physical genocide of the Indigenous People.

It is important for many reasons to acknowledge publicly that all aspects of the genocide of the Indigenous People including but not limited to the social, cultural and physical aspects constitute heinous acts. Not only does this acknowledgement honour the lives that were lost, the lives that were permanently changed and the ongoing agony of the Indigenous People, but it gives a sense of hope to those who have suffered and continue to suffer since it represents a concrete legislative first step to healing and reconciliation. The acknowledgement of Indigenous genocide also permits better reconciliation between Indigenous People and non-Indigenous People of Canada.  Most importantly, by recognizing the genocide of the Indigenous People, we affirm our collective desire to maintain awareness of this genocide which is the original sin of Canada and other genocides that have occurred in world history in order to prevent genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes from happening again.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Parliament of Canada and the Legislative Assemblies of the Provinces, enact as follows:

Indigenous Peoples Genocide Education Week

1 (1) The seven-day period in each year ending on June 22 is proclaimed as Indigenous People Genocide Education Week.

Same

(2)  During that period, all Canadians are encouraged to educate themselves about, and to maintain their awareness of, the genocide of the Indigenous People and other genocides that have occurred in world history.

Commencement

2 This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

3 The short title of this Act is the Indigenous Genocide Education Week Act, 2021.