OTTAWA, Nov. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde has today issued the following statement regarding the Val-d'Or decision:
"Today, I stand with the brave women who came forward and I urge everyone not to be intimidated or discouraged by the Crown's announcement. Those who are thinking of coming forward, whether in Val-d'Or or anywhere else in the country, should come forward. I support the call for an independent examination of this situation. This is another reminder that the justice system is failing First Nations and it reinforces our call for a First Nations justice system ― right from policing, to courts, to the recognition of Indigenous law and restorative justice. Reconciliation has to include reconciliation between First Nations people and the justice system."
The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.
SOURCE Assembly of First Nations
Jenn Jefferys, Communications Officer, 613-222-9656, [email protected]
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