Putting an end to racism and discrimination against the First Nations and the Inuit: a first step in the right direction

WENDAKE, QC, Nov. 6, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The government of Quebec intends to develop an action plan to fight discrimination and racism against First Nations and Inuit. To guide them in this area, the government gathered during two days this week in Quebec City, more than a hundred people, Aboriginals or non-Aboriginal, representing a wide range of backgrounds and government organizations.

That, to the AFNQL is a first step in the right direction.

"Quebec sorely needs to undertake a long-awaited concerted effort to address, understand and mostly put an end to discrimination and racism against the First Nations and the Inuit. It is high time that we face up collectively to this task", stated Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.

"Discrimination and racism, at home, among us, in our own backyard, are not subjects which are easy to handle. For many years now, the AFNQL has been trying to commit the successive Quebec governments, without ever tackling this serious societal problem head on, which affects all of us in a very negative way. I am encouraged by the present government, the Premier and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, who have decided to address this issue. It will be necessary to persevere in this way, and not give up mid-way. The AFNQL will make sure the action plan developed by Quebec rests on a sound basis which includes among others the recognition of Aboriginal Nations by the National Assembly and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples. The AFNQL intends to play an active role in the implementation of this action plan", concluded Chief Ghislain Picard.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com.

SOURCE: Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

Mélanie Vincent ([email protected])
Cell.: 418-580-4442