Victims of systemic racism and two-tier justice - Is a relationship of trust still possible?

WENDAKE, QC, Nov. 18, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - In reaction to the decision of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, but even more so in response to the findings and recommendations of independent observer Fannie Lafontaine, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) is deeply disappointed by the systemic racism faced by First Nations. "The Quebec government must accept its responsibilities and adopt concrete measures now to address the problems of racism and discrimination that persist towards First Nations," said Michel Paul, president of the FNQLHSSC Board of Directors.

The FNQLHSSC is supportive of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, which is calling for the immediate launch of an independent inquiry to examine the whole issue of police relations with First Nations. The Couillard government cannot afford to wait for the results of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The government must act now and enter into a genuine process of reconciliation so that First Nations women no longer experience these abuses.

A shared responsibility

This week, when federal Health Minister Jane Philpott appeared before a committee dealing with Aboriginal affairs, she said that "federal spending on Aboriginal health facilities is just ʻa drop in the bucketʼ compared to what's actually needed in these communities." She also recognized that colonialism, racism and intergenerational trauma all present challenges to the health of First Nations people. She also admitted that programs and facilities for First Nations are far from what they should be.

About the FNQLHSSC

The FNQLHSSC supports First Nations and Inuit communities and agencies in Quebec and Labrador in defending, upholding and asserting the inherent right to health and social services while helping them plan and deliver culturally appropriate programs. www.cssspnql.com

SOURCE FIRST NATIONS OF QUEBEC AND LABRADOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION (FNQLHSSC)

Source: Chantal Cleary, Communications Officer, FNQLHSSC, [email protected], Telephone: [phone], ext. 2304, Cell. : 418-559-7337