(October 30, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) — Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak issued the following statement welcoming the release of the Final Report and the Indigenous-Led Reparations Framework for Missing and Disappeared Children and Unmarked Burials, developed by Kimberly R. Murray, the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves.
“The release of the Indigenous-Led Reparations Framework and the Final Report marks a step forward in addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of residential institutions and cultural genocide against First Nations,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “I lift up the Survivors, families, and communities for their courage in sharing their experiences and stories, ensuring that the memory of our children is honoured. Survivors are the living witnesses, and we must support gatherings that honour their stories and uplift their memories. I also thank Kimberly R. Murray and her team for their dedication to developing this comprehensive report that builds on the critical work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”
“This Framework provides a guide for the recovery, identification, and commemoration of our missing children and the protection of unmarked burial sites in a way that respects our sovereignty and practices. As the Framework lays out, Canada must move toward a culture of accountability and justice that fully honours the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s legislative commitment to implement its principles. We urge the Government of Canada to provide the necessary resources and legal frameworks to substantively develop legislative changes that honor, protect, repatriate and implement all 42 legal, moral and ethical obligations in the Special Interlocutor’s Framework.”
“We will also continue to call for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, which, to date, has been far too slow. Ensuring stable and adequate funding for communities to manage the identification, recovery, and commemoration of children from residential institutions also remains a priority. Additionally, it is essential that all records from the Roman Catholic Church and other institutions be handed over to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, as required under the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. We expect full support from all levels of government to ensure this work is advanced,” concluded AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
[email protected]