(October 4, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and AFN New Brunswick Regional Chief Joanna Bernard have denounced the recent and past remarks made by New Brunswick Progressive-Conservative (PC) Candidate Sherry Wilson that support racist ideologies and disrespect the significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Sherry Wilson’s comparison of Policy 713 to residential schools is deeply hurtful,” said AFN New Brunswick Regional Chief Joanna Bernard. “Policy 713, which allows students to change their pronouns or names without parental consent, aims to protect vulnerable children, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+, enabling them to be their authentic selves. In contrast, the Indian Residential School system exploited children and attempted to erase and strip our cultural identities. Ms. Wilson’s statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is either intentionally offensive or incredibly ignorant. I urge her to withdraw from the race and educate themselves about our true shared history. We expect all political candidates to conduct themselves with respect and understanding. There is no place in this country for racism, and those who perpetuate it should step down.”
“Sherry Wilson’s comments are completely unacceptable,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Suggesting that our children were taken to residential schools due to lack of parental oversight is not only wrong but also extremely harmful. It perpetuates the false and racist view that First Nations cannot care for our children, a violation we have fought decades at the highest levels to rectify. Ms. Wilson’s comments are part of a disturbing pattern in the New Brunswick PC Party, showing that some members either lack understanding or deny the history of residential schools. I join AFN Regional Chief Joanna Bernard in demanding her immediate withdrawal and a public apology to the families and Survivors of residential schools.”
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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:
Genna Benson
Director, Communications
Assembly of First Nations
604-340-3117 (mobile)
[email protected]
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
[email protected]