Bill 96 'a true test' of Quebec's commitment to reconciliation: Kahnawake chief
Quebec’s handling of how Indigenous peoples fit into Bill 96 proposals will be “a true test” of its commitment to reconciliation, according to Kahnawake Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, who met with lawmakers Friday to discuss the bill.
Sky-Deer said Indigenous Services Minister Ian Lafreniere and French-Language Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette “tacitly” confirmed dialogue would continue into next week.
The grand chief announced she had been approached by the ministers on Thursday requesting the virtual meeting, where she was joined by Ghislain Picard, regional chief at the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, and Keskapekiaq Chief John Martin.
“Everybody keeps saying all this stuff about reconciliation but this will be a true test in terms of their commitment and their willingness to sit with us and hopefully find these solutions that we’re looking for,” she said in a public statement posted to social media.
Those solutions include a “complete and total exemption or carve-out” for Kahnawake residents and other Indigenous peoples in Quebec from Bill 96, which if passed could impact how Quebecers can access services in English.
Bill 96, which is in its final stages of amendments before being voted on outright, is an overhaul to Quebec’s French-language charter.
Kahnawake chiefs, along with other Indigenous leaders, believe the bill’s updated requirements for CEGEP students will create barriers to education.
A recent amendment to Bill 96’s proposal added a requirement that English-language CEGEP students take an additional three French language courses during their studies.
Kahnawake:ronon (people from Kahnawake), commonly speak English and their traditional language: Kanienʼkéha, also known as Mohawk.
Sky-Deer says the previsions in Bill 96, which are aimed at protecting French as Quebec’s majority language, will negatively impact people from Kahnawake’s ability to study outside their community.
“They need to start recognizing that we are our own nations,” she said. “We have our own languages and cultures that have been here since before them.”
On Friday, Sky-Deer expressed further concern on how the bill would affect residents’ experience in “health, social services, [and] justice.”
Sky-Deer encouraged locals to join the protest against Bill 96 scheduled for Saturday morning at Dawson College in Montreal and suggested more demonstrations are possible if their needs aren’t met.
“Different actions are definitely warranted; if we want to do rolling blockades or other demonstrations, [and] handing out information,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.