Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Files International Legal Action Against Government of Canada
Legal Petition Launched to United Nations Human Rights Committee
September 9, 2021 – Ottawa, ON- Today, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) filed a formal legal petition to the United Nations Human Rights Committee against the current Canadian federal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Statement: Guilty Verdict of Officer an Opportunity for Reform, Healing
On Thursday August 26th, an Alberta provincial court judge released his ruling convicting Const. Michael Partington of assault. In August 2019 the constable violently assaulted an Indigenous man over a bylaw related to having a bell on his bicycle. The incident was caught on camera by a bystander, with the images contradicting numerous claims by the officers involved, as noted by the Judge.
STATEMENT FROM CONGRESS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES NATIONAL CHIEF RE: FEDERAL ELECTION 2021
On Sunday August 15th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve the 43rd Parliament and launch a Federal Election with an election day on September 20th, 2021. The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is calling on all parties to voice their platforms for Canada’s Indigenous population ahead of the 44th general election.
2021 6TH IPCC REPORT: NATURE AND INDIGENOUS RIGHTS GO HAND IN HAND
August 11th 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – The 6th The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report was released on August 9th in Geneva, Switzerland. The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples was honoured to be invited to contribute as part of the Canadian delegation team.
ON PRISONERS’ JUSTICE DAY, INCARCERATED INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DON’T NEED AN EXPANSION TO THE SASKATOON REMAND CENTRE
August 10, 2021—Saskatoon, SK—Today, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples marks Prisoners’ Justice Day, an annual commemoration in support of prisoners’ rights and remembrance for those who have died while incarcerated.
NO ACCOUNTABILITY FIVE YEARS AFTER SHOOTING DEATH OF COLTEN BOUSHIE
(August 9, 2021 – Ottawa, ON)- Today marks five years since the shooting death of Colten Boushie, member of the Red Pheasant First Nation. The Government of Saskatchewan has continuously failed the province’s Indigenous peoples in this case by not calling for a public inquiry.
TWO SPIRIT INMATE’S ARM BROKEN BY CORRECTIONAL OFFICER AT PORT CARTIER INSTITUTION IN QUEBEC
Abuse of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s Correctional System Continues without Consequence
(August 3, 2021 – Ottawa, ON)- On May 30th, Nick DiNardo, a two spirit inmate at the Port Cartier correctional institution had their arm broken by a correctional officer. Nick’s condition was not adequately evaluated following the incident, and they were not taken to the hospital until June 7th. It has come to CAP’s attention that Nick’s arm was broken by a correctional officer (CO) who has allegedly broken the arms of four other inmates in the past. Nick’s arm was also re-injured by another CO on July 12th while returning from an X-ray to assess his condition. CAP has also seen troubling posts on social media from a CO going by @leadhand92 on Twitter who knew Nick and stated “there’s no choice but to cause injury to him to control him.”
MINISTER BLAIR MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR TRANSFER OF INDIGENOUS WOMAN IMPRISONED IN TURKEY
(July 29, 2021 – Ottawa, ON)- Two months after Charman Smith’s situation was highlighted, CAP is still waiting for meaningful action from the Government of Canada to repatriate Ms. Smith.
SHOCKINGLY LOW SENTENCE IN THE KILLING OF INDIGENOUS WOMAN CINDY GLADUE
Ontario trucker Bradley Barton sentenced to only 12.5 years for killing Indigenous woman
(July 27, 2021- Ottawa, ON) The killing of Indigenous woman Cindy Gladue was a sickening and barbaric act. The extent of her trauma and injuries that lead to her bleeding to death in an Edmonton hotel room is the stuff of nightmares. The fact that a white male perpetrator was only sentenced today to 12.5 years for taking a valuable Indigenous life is incomprehensible.
MICHEL BAND TREATY 6 DESCENDANTS MUST BE INVOLVED IN THE SEARCH FOR UNMARKED GRAVES IN ST. ALBERT
(July 26th 2021 – Ottawa, ON) — As the search for unmarked graves begins at the former site of the St. Albert Youville residential school, descendants of the Michel Indian Band worry they will not have closure on the fate of their ancestors. The Michel Indian Band 472 was enfranchised in 1958 and left behind history, and community records. A lack of recognition under the Indian Act means that descendants of the band have no claims that they can bring forward, including calling on the federal government to support their search for the bodies of ancestors abused by the residential school system. The Michel Indian Band’s elders and knowledge keepers must be considered in the reconciliation process.
CAP FULLY SUPPORTS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE LAUNCH OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS
July 22th 2021 (Ottawa, ON) — On July 19th, in an interview with Global News, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he would support a criminal investigation into the deaths that occurred at Residential Schools across Canada.
STATEMENT FROM CONGRESS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES NATIONAL CHIEF RE: UNMARKED GRAVES FOUND IN PENELAKUT TRIBAL TERRITORY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
(OTTAWA, ON. July 13, 2021) Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) National Chief Elmer St. Pierre has voiced his support for the Penelakut Tribe and their allies as well as all Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island upon the discovery of more than 160 undocumented and unmarked graves in the area that was home to the Kuper Island Residential School (The Missionary Oblates of Mary the Immaculate).
STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT OF MARY SIMON AS GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA
(OTTAWA, ON. July 6, 2021) On behalf of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP), National Chief Elmer St. Pierre offers congratulations on the historic appointment of Mary Simon as the first Indigenous Governor General of Canada.
STATEMENT FROM CONGRESS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES NATIONAL CHIEF RE: JULY FIRST CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS
(OTTAWA, ON. June 30, 2021) Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) National Chief Elmer St. Pierre has echoed the voices of countless Indigenous Peoples in this country stating that this July 1st, Canada Day celebrations across Turtle Island should be cancelled.
CAP Responds to Residential School Burial Sites Found by Cowessess First Nation
June 24, 2021 – Ottawa, (ON) It is with feelings of outrage, but not shock that CAP responds to the news from Cowessess First Nation of the 751 unmarked graves at the Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. In the wake of the news from Kamloops, Indigenous peoples across Canada knew that it was only a matter of time before the graves of more innocent children would be found at residential school sites.
Lifelong Trauma: Wrongfully Imprisoned Indigenous Women Spent Childhood Lives in Residential School System
Tuesday, June 15 (Ottawa, ON) – The news that the bodies of 215 Indigenous children had been found in British Columbia shocked Canadians, but traumatized Indigenous survivors who were abused by Canada’s Residential School System. It is even more outrageous then, that the two Keeseekoose First Nations women who have been wrongfully imprisoned for over 28 years, were first persecuted by the Canadian government when they attended residential schools in their childhood.
2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
(Ottawa) June 3, 2021—In response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the Métis Perspectives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ2S+ People report by Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, a National Action Plan that will drive transformative change to end systemic racism and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) people was released today.
CAP Releases Report in the National Action Plan for MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
OTTAWA, June 3, 2021 – On the second anniversary of the release of the Final Report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is releasing its Interim Report.
CAP: Kamloops a Sobering Reminder of Ongoing Genocide
May 31, (Ottawa, ON) – It is with great dismay that we recognize Canada’s Indigenous children whose lives were lost while suffering at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. 215 children had their lives cut short while being systematically persecuted and abused by the Government of Canada and religious authorities.
CAP Calls for Top Down Reform As LaRonge RCMP Continue to Discriminate Against Emily Kammermayer
SASKATOON, May 28, 2021 – Just weeks after holding a press conference on alleged police brutality, Emily Kammermayer continues to be subject to misconduct and discriminatory practices by the LaRonge RCMP detachment. On May 23rd, Ms. Kammermayer was assaulted by her brother when picking up her child from her mother’s house
Auditor General COVID Report: Shortages of PPE, Staffing for Indigenous Communities.
On May 26th the Auditor General (AG) submitted to Parliament their 11th report on Health Resources for Indigenous Communities during the COVID pandemic. This report confirmed the same gaps that had been identified by the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and their Provincial and Territorial Organizations.
CAP Calls for Immediate Release of Indigenous Women Wrongfully Imprisoned for 28 Years
OTTAWA, May 18, 2021 – For over 28 years, Indigenous sisters Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance have been imprisoned as a result of wrongful conviction in the murder of Anthony Joseph Dolff. Despite a lack of physical evidence, and the testimony of Jason Keshane stating he was responsible for the murder in 1993, Odelia and Nerrisa have remained in prison.
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people
Today is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, also known as Red Dress Day. It is a day set aside to honour the memory of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have been lost to violence. Today, we stand with the families, friends, and communities who have lost a much-loved daughter, niece, sister, mother, grandmother, or auntie. We honour their memories as we continue to work for change.
Budget 2021 Indigenous Funding: “Impact Will Depend on Access”
OTTAWA, April 19, 2021 – On Monday, Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland released Canada’s first full budget in two years. This budget signals the largest increase in federal spending in history, totalling over $100 billion in new initiatives and programs. This includes a range of measures termed support for “Strong Indigenous Communities” with a total of $13 billion in announced new spending measures under that category.
The Supreme Court Spoke… But Did Anybody Listen? CAP Comments on 5 Year Anniversary of Supreme Court Daniels Decision
OTTAWA, April 14, 2021 – Today marks the 5th anniversary of the CAP-Daniels Supreme Court Decision. On April 14, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada declared for the first time, that the Federal Government has Constitutional responsibility for Métis and Non-Status Indians.
CAP Calls for Systemic Changes to the Correctional System
OTTAWA, March 16th, 2021 – One year after the suicide of Curtis McKenzie at Saskatchewan Penitentiary, The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is calling for systemic change to Canada’s correctional system. McKenzie was a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan, who tragically took his own life after many attempts to seek help from Correctional Services Canada.
CAP Calls for Justice for Cileana Taylor
OTTAWA, March 3rd, 2021 – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) today calls for justice in the death of 22-year old Cileana Taylor of the Curve Lake First Nation. Ms. Taylor suffered a severe brain-injury in September when she was allegedly assaulted by Jordan Morin.
CAP Responds Correctional Investigator Update on COVID-19 in Federal Corrections
February 24th, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and its Provincial and Territorial Organizations today responded to the federal Correctional Investigator Release of third Status Update on COVID-19 in Federal Corrections.
Bill C-22 Proposal to Amend Mandatory Minimums and Drug Possession Offenses Critical for Indigenous Peoples
February 18th, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) recognizes the importance of today’s new legislation tabled, Bill C-22. These amendments to the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act address many years of advocacy by CAP and other organizations calling for reforms to seriously flawed Federal legislation.
RCMP Police Brutality Inflicted on Indigenous Women in Sask. Healthcare, as Systemic Racism Continues to Rear its Ugly Head
January 25th, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – On Tuesday, December 29th, 2020, Emily Kammermayer, a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, brought her 2-year-old son to the La Ronge Health Centre for an x- ray pertaining to a possible arm injury. She was acting on the advice of her mother, who is a nurse, as well two nurse practitioners. Attending Dr. Sean Groves refused to order an x-ray for her son.
CAP calls on Health Minister to Intervene to Protect Prisoners
January 8th, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is calling on federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu to intervene to increase protections for inmates in Canada’s correctional system.
Continued Mass Incarceration of Indigenous Peoples During COVID-19 Creating Dangerous Health Risks
Saskatoon, SK (December 22nd, 2020) – The following statement was released by Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) National Vice-Chief Kim Beaudin: The Government of Canada is failing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 inside Canada’s Federal penitentiaries.
CAP: Feds Must Act, Stop Prisoners Dying from COVID-19 Outbreaks
Dec 3rd, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) –The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) calls on Federal Justice Minister David Lametti, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller, and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett to immediately intervene in the fight for survival by indigenous people in Saskatoon Correctional facility.
CAP Excluded from FPT Meeting on United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
November 12, 2020, (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) condemns the exclusion of its voices from a high level meeting on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Today’s Federal-Provincial Territorial (FPT) meeting with select National Indigenous Organizations (NIO) discussing the draft legislation to implement UNDRIP was organized by the federal Department of Justice.
Federal, Provincial & Territorial Ministers Meeting on“Human Rights” is Systemically Racist, Colonial & Discriminatory
November 9, 2020, (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) today formally labelled the decision to exclude the organization from a key human rights meeting with Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers as systemically racist, colonial and discriminatory.
CAP: Sexual Coercion, Unchecked Violence, and Discrimination Behind Bars
October 27, 2020, (Ottawa, ON) – The Office of the Correctional Investigator tabled its 47th annual report in Parliament today, detailing concerning trends in federal correctional institutions. Among the issues raised were the prevalence of sexual coercion of inmates and the lack of any oversight or reporting mechanism for victims, gaps in mental health care, and a failure to provide meaningful learning opportunities for inmates.
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Elects New National Chief: Elmer St. Pierre
October 5, 2020, (Ottawa, ON) – On October 3rd, Elmer St. Pierre was elected as the National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP). Kim Beaudin was re-elected to the position of National Vice-Chief.
“I congratulate Elmer St. Pierre on his election as National Chief,” said outgoing National Chief Robert Bertrand. “We all want to see recognition for off-reserve Indigenous Peoples grow and to see increased supports proportionate to the number of individuals we represent. I wish St. Pierre the best and I am proud to have served as National Chief.”
CAP Demands Justice for Joyce Echequan
October 3, 2020, (Ottawa, ON) – Joyce Echaquan, a 37-year-old Atikamekw woman, arrived at a hospital in the city of Joliette QC on Monday, September 28th complaining of stomach pain. In a video that has been viewed around the world, hospital staff ignored her pleas for help and her warnings about having a heart condition, while making racist and degrading comments towards her until the moment she died.
CAP: Throne Speech Risks Lowered Ambition on Justice Issues
September 25, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – On September 23rd, Governor General Julie Payette read the Throne Speech on behalf of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, detailing the key priorities for the government as Parliament resumed. Among the priorities laid out in the speech was a pledge to address systemic inequalities in the justice system and the over-representation of Indigenous people in jails and prisons.
Throne Speech Risks Neglecting Indigenous Communities with “Distinctions Based” PoliciesSeptember 9, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – On August 19th
OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 25, 2020 /CNW/ – On September 23rd 2020, Governor General Julie Payette delivered the Speech from the Throne on behalf of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government. The speech detailed the priorities of the government as Parliament resumes for the fall. The speech touched on a number of areas, including COVID-19 response measures and Indigenous reconciliation.
CAP: Hold CSC Leadership Accountable for Obstruction,
Discrimination
September 9, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – On August 19th, the panel of experts convened to investigate the use of Structured Intervention Units (SIUs) used in Canadian prisons released a scathing report detailing how their work was obstructed, undermined and blocked by Correction Services Canada (CSC). The panel has now disbanded and will not be able to complete its work to ensure safety for prisoners in Canada.
String of Saskatchewan Inmate Deaths Undermines Confidence in Corrections
August 20, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – In March, Curtis McKenzie died of suicide while in Corrections Services Canada custody at Saskatchewan Penitentiary. On August 16th, 2020, Chris Teniskishayinew died of suicide while in custody in the Regina Correctional Institute.
CAP calls on Regional Director Derek Langan of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan to step down
August 18th 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Robert Bertrand, National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and Kim Beaudin, National Vice Chief are calling on Metis Nation of Saskatchewan Regional Director Derek Langan to step down from his position immediately, following bigoted comments made at the Crescent Lake Métis Gathering hosted from July 31 to Aug. 2.
Prison Population Puts Lives at Risk
August 14, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – In March 2020, Minister of Public Safety Hon. Bill Blair called on the heads of Canada’s prison system to release inmates as a safety precaution for COVID-19, to lower prison populations and limit the spread of COVID in institutions.
CAP: Cannabis Record Suspension Program is Failing to Meet Indigenous Needs
August 12, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – According to Stats Can in 2016 under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, 55,000 Canadians were charged with cannabis-related offences, the majority of which were simple possession.
CAP – The CACP Call for Decriminalization Supports Reconciliation
OTTAWA, ON, July 13, 2020 – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) supports the July 9th 2020 policy announcement by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) to decriminalize simple possession of illicit drugs, and the adoption of a public health focus on substance abuse.
CAP Ends Federal Litigation for Equitable COVID-19 Funding to Provide Urgent Emergency Support
OTTAWA, ON, July 10, 2020 – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and its Provincial/Territorial Organizations (PTOs) have filed a notice of discontinuance related to its court application against the Government of Canada for inequitable COVID-19 funding for off-reserve Indigenous peoples.
Theo Fleury Overdue for Hall of Fame
June 30, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) calls on the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 18 person nominating committee to put Theoren Fleury on the ballot for 2021.
Dismiss Discriminatory, Ineffective COVID Fines
June 29, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) calls on all Provincial Attorney Generals to dismiss charges and fines relating to COVID-19.
CAP calls on Saskatchewan Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell to Resign Over Wasteful Expansion of Saskatoon Remand Center
June 23, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Despite Saskatchewan running a $2.4 billion deficit, Premier Scott Moe has approved plans by Corrections Minister Christine Tell to expand the Saskatoon remand centre, at a planned cost of $120 million. This amount equals over $500,000 per cell, to warehouse people who have not yet been brought to trial or convicted of any crime.
Have a Happy and Safe National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 19, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) wishes to share our hopes this year for everyone to have a happy and safe National Indigenous Peoples Day.
CAP: Alberta’s Bill 1 is Unconstitutional, Undemocratic and Unacceptable
June 18, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – This week, the Alberta Legislature passed Bill 1, the so-called “Critical Infrastructure Defense Act”. This bill effectively criminalizes political dissent, including legitimate protest in the context of natural resource development, environmental protection and indigenous rights.
CAP Calls for Indigenous-Led Commission on Policing
June 18, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) calls on the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair, and Justice Minister David Lametti to convene an emergency meeting of Indigenous leaders with a focus on the policing relationship with Indigenous people.
Growing Chorus of Voices Speaking Out for Chantel Moore and Supports for Off-Reserve Indigenous Peoples
June 10, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP), its Provincial Territorial Organizations (PTOs), and its National Youth leadership is continuing to speak out and join the growing chorus of voices highlighting the institutional biases and circumstances that led to the tragic death of Chantel Moore as well as the lack of supports impacting all off-reserve Indigenous peoples in Canada.
CAP: Listen to MMIWG, Defunding Police is a Step Towards Reconciliation
June 10, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) calls for defunding of the 161 Municipal Police Departments and the RCMP in Canada and reallocating the resources towards community needs and social supports. These actions would be consistent with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MIWG) Inquiry, which called for reallocating resources to Indigenous-led community safety and programming.
CAP Calls for Public Investigation into Death of Chantel Moore and Systemic Bias and Racism in Policing and Justice Systems Towards Indigenous Peoples
June 6, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and its Provincial Territorial Organization (PTO) the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council responded to the tragic death of Chantel Moore in Edmundston, New Brunswick by calling for a public investigation into the death of Chantel Moore and the ongoing systemic bias and racism that policing services and the justice system displays towards Indigenous peoples.
MMIWG Anniversary Marked by Inaction, Delays.
June 3, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – On June 3rd 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) released its final report. A year later, Indigenous people across Canada continue to wait for meaningful action on the 231 Calls to Justice.
CAP Responds to Prime Minister’s Announcement of $75-Million in New Funding for Needs of Indigenous People Living Off-Reserve
May 21, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and its Provincial and Territorial Organizations (PTOs) today responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement of $75-million in new funding for organizations that aims to address the needs of Indigenous people living off-reserve during the COVID-19 pandemic. CAP filed an urgent court application over the federal government’s inadequate and discriminatory funding last week.
Forgotten Peoples Campaign Calls on Federal Government to End Funding Discrimination and Support Off Reserve Indigenous Peoples During COVID-19 Pandemic
May 19, 2020 (Ottawa ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and its Provincial and Territorial Organizations (PTOs) have filed an urgent court application over the federal government’s inadequate and discriminatory funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today they are launching a campaign, Forgotten Peoples, to shed light on the impacts this lack of funding and discrimination has on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Indigenous peoples in Canada.
National Indigenous Group Files Court Application Over Inadequate and Discriminatory Funding During COVID-19
May 13, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and its Provincial and Territorial Organizations (PTOs) today filed an urgent court application over the federal government’s inadequate and discriminatory funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shocking lack of funding and discrimination impacts the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Political Discrimination Against Inmates Puts Lives in Danger
April 30, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Canadian courts have acknowledged that Indigenous rights are not nullified at penitentiary gates, and that the history of colonialism, disenfranchisement and assimilation must be considered in the treatment and release of Indigenous prisoners.
COVID-19 Response an Atrocity Against Urban Indigenous Peoples
April 22, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Over a month ago, on March 18, Prime Minister Trudeau promised COVID-19 emergency response funding for Indigenous communities. Today, urban Indigenous communities, such as the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ (CAP) constituents, have been told that they will not receive necessary funding to help the most vulnerable members of Canadian society.
Federal Leadership Missing in Action on COVID in Prisons
April 17, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Despite over a month of appeals from the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and other organizations for immediate action to address the threat of COVID-19 to the health and lives of prisoners in federal custody, the federal government continues to delay and defer responsibility. Families of inmates continue to fear for the safety of their loved ones and lack information and updates on their health and security.
Still “The Forgotten People” – Fourth Anniversary of the CAP-Daniels Decision
April 14, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – On a day that should be marked with celebration, off-reserve and non-Status Indigenous peoples continue to express frustration at inaction by the Government of Canada. Today marks four years since the CAP-Daniels Supreme Court decision, which established that non-Status and Métis Indigenous peoples are “Indians” under the Constitution of Canada. This decision was a result of a 17-year legal battle, which began in 1999 launched by the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and Harry Daniels. Despite the victory, many rights-holding Indigenous peoples in Canada continue to wait to see their rights recognized by the Federal government.
Call for Justice Over Alberta Métis Men Killed While Exercising S.35 Hunting Rights
April 1, 2020 (Ottawa ON) – Two Métis men, Jake Sansom, 39, and Morris Cardinal, 57, were killed by gunfire outside of their truck while hunting north of Glendon, Alberta . The two men had recently lost their employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were exercising their Section 35 right to hunt in order to feed their families while waiting for financial relief.
Indigenous Youth Leaving Foster Care Left Homeless During COVID-19
April 1, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Despite provincial ministers’ claims, youth aging out of the foster care system continue to be thrown out on the street, even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) National Vice-Chief, Kim Beaudin.
Favoritism in COVID-19 Indigenous Funding Will Cost Lives
March 31, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The announcement of Indigenous COVID-19 funding shows with the stroke of a pen that the Trudeau government has written off hundreds of thousands of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from receiving adequate help in this time of need.
CAP Calls for Action After Second Indigenous Inmate Dies of Suicide in Two Weeks
March 25, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Indigenous musician Jonathan Wayne Lee Anderson from Edmonton, stage name “Tommy Da”, was taken off life support last Saturday, after fatally injuring himself through hanging while held at the troubled Edmonton Remand Center. This suicide follows closely after the previous suicide of Curtis McKenzie, another indigenous inmate who committed suicide in the Saskatchewan Penitentiary.
Government Policies Threaten to Exacerbate Risk of COVID-19 in Correctional Centres
March 20, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – In response to the danger of COVID-19 spreading in Canada’s overcrowded prison systems, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) today shared a letter with Canada’s premiers and Attorney Generals, calling on them to prioritize the release of low-risk offenders to limit transmission of the virus. CAP further calls on Premiers and Attorney Generals to take steps to prevent risk of transmission in prisons for offenders who remain in custody.
Prime Minister Excludes Off-Reserve and Non-Status Indigenous People from COVID-19 Response
March 18, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Despite Prime Minister Trudeau’s claims to be addressing Indigenous needs in COVID-19 response planning, meetings have included only three out of five National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs).
Government Policies Threaten to Exacerbate Risk of COVID-19 in Correctional Centres
March 13, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Coronavirus has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), and threatens devastating effects on Canada’s Federal and provincial prison system says Kim Beaudin, Nation Vice Chief, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP).
COVID-19 Response Must Address Risks to Off-Reserve Urban and Rural Indigenous People
March 12, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Prime Minister Trudeau announced $1 billion in funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes $100 million for the federal public health response, including supports for First Nations and Inuit communities, and $500 million in aid to the provinces and territories.
“The System Failed Him” – statement by CAP Vice Chief Kim Beaudin on Curtis McKenzie suicide
March 12, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) has learned that Curtis McKenzie, a member of Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan, has died of suicide while in the custody of Correction Services Canada (CSC).
First Ministers Meeting: “Repeating the Mistakes of Coastal GasLink Pipeline”
March 3, (Ottawa, ON) – On March 12-13, 2020 Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau will host a First Ministers meeting between federal and provincial governments in Ottawa. Discussions will include issues of economic development, environment, natural resource development and reconciliation.
Indigenous Overincarceration Crisis Hits Record Numbers
January 22, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The proportion of Indigenous people behind bars has hit a record high, according to new figures from Dr. Ivan Zinger, the Correctional Investigator of Canada.
CAP on C-92 coming into Force: A biased process resulted in a biased policy
January 8th, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – On January 1st 2020, Bill C-92, “An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families”, came into force.
AFN Jurisdictional Overreach on Housing Threatens Urban Indigenous Self-Determination
January 7th, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – Indigenous homelessness in Canadian cities is a crisis requiring immediate and effective action from all levels of government. In addressing this crisis, actors must respect the right of urban Indigenous communities to self-determination, and to administer programs through their chosen representative organizations.
Ministerial Mandate Letters – Promising Initiatives, but Flawed Approach to Indigenous Policy
December 18th, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – On Friday, December 13th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released mandate letters for federal ministers, outlining their priorities over the coming parliament.
CAP welcomes British Columbia UNDRIP legislation, calls on government to reintroduce federal bill
October 25, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – British Columbia has introduced legislation that puts it on track to becoming the first Canadian government to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).
CAP congratulates Justin Trudeau on his re-election
October 22, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) wishes to extend our congratulations to Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada for their re-election, and to all parties for a hard-fought campaign. We further wish to extend a special congratulations to the record-setting number of Indigenous candidates who ran in election 2019.
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Disappointed by Appeal of Compensation for Indigenous Youth
October 7, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) condemns the decision by the Trudeau Liberal government to appeal the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) ruling awarding compensation to First Nations youth, who were taken from their families and put into care unnecessarily, from 2006 to present.
Climate Disaster in South America Threatens Environmental and Indigenous Rights
September 3, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – In solidarity with the Indigenous people of South America, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is calling on Canada and Brazil to stop the devastating wildfires in the Amazon, and to respect the rights of Indigenous people in Brazil.
Government finally ends discriminatory 1951 cut-off
August 16, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The government of Canada has removed a discriminatory rule known as the 1951 cut-off from the Indian Act, potentially clearing the way for hundreds of thousands of First Nations people to register for Indian Status.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples views Bill C-93 as an adequate step for simple Cannabis possession charges
July 9, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is pleased to participate in a meeting with Canada’s Premiers at Big River First Nation in Saskatchewan today. This meeting of the Council of the Federation is an opportunity for National Indigenous Organizations to raise issues pertaining to Indigenous children, youth, and families and their well-being.
CAP advocates for children and families at Premiers’ meeting
July 9, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is pleased to participate in a meeting with Canada’s Premiers at Big River First Nation in Saskatchewan today. This meeting of the Council of the Federation is an opportunity for National Indigenous Organizations to raise issues pertaining to Indigenous children, youth, and families and their well-being.
“We Will Not Be Forgotten” — Day of Action
June 20, 2019 (Ottawan ON) — Today, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) lead a Day of Action on Parliament Hill and in many provinces to demand an end to the exclusion and discrimination faced by our peoples — the off-reserve, non-status, Métis and Southern Inuit.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is pleased the Senate passed Bill C-83
June 14, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is pleased that the cruel and inhumane approach to solitary confinement will cease with the passing of Bill C-83 – an act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.
The Government’s report on S-3 Consultations is a disappointment!
June 12, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is outraged with Canada’s report on the Collaborative Process on Indian Registration, Band Membership and First Nations Citizenship. The report fails to make any solid recommendations to better the lives of non-status people, a distinct population. After years of consultations, many of our peoples will still be waiting to get status.
We will not let Canada forget our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
June 3, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) acknowledges the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls as a guiding document for concrete actions to be taken to protect Indigenous women and girls.
CAP & Affiliates at UNPFII advocate on issues that unrecognized Indigenous peoples experience in Canada
April 26, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – This week, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) hosted an event as part of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York City to call international attention to the struggles for recognition that Indigenous Peoples in Canada continue to undergo. CAP also made statements at the UN forum to draw attention to the issues that unrecognized Indigenous peoples are experiencing in Canada, such as barriers in education support for youth and lack of access to health benefits.
“Our Peoples will not be Forgotten” The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples brings the continued discrimination against Indigenous Peoples in Canada to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples
April 24, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is bringing to light the continued discrimination against our constituency of Indigenous Peoples in Canada through advocacy this week at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples (UNPFII).
Forgotten Again: The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples offended by discrimination under the federal budget
March 19, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is outraged by the federal budget tabled today as the government continues to ignore the needs of the Métis, status and non-status Indians, and Southern Inuit Indigenous People living off-reserve in Canada.
Government is leaving out Indigenous children that are off-reserve, Métis and non-status in new child welfare legislation – Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
February 28, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is outraged that the federal government has continued the exclusion of off-reserve, Métis and non-status Indigenous children in their new child welfare legislation. Today, the Minister of Indigenous Services tabled the legislation as Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. This is a piece of legislation that was co-developed with only three of the five National Indigenous Organizations, excluding CAP, and fails to address the unique needs and interests of the off-reserve, non-status, and Métis children living across Canada.
Preservation of Indigenous Languages a Priority for Off-Reserve and Urban Indigenous People
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples welcomes Bill C-91, the Indigenous Languages Act, and the establishment of an Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages which promises to work toward meaningful solutions to the loss of Indigenous language in Canada.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples agrees non-status children can’t be excluded by the federal government under Jordan’s Principle
January 10, 2019 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples applauds the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society for their order to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) calling for the federal government to cover urgent health care for non-status First Nations children living off-reserve under the Jordan’s Principle.
Canada and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Sign Political Accord
From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
December 12, 2018 — Ottawa, Ontario — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
On December 5, 2018, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, and National Chief Robert Bertrand and National Vice-Chief Kim Beaudin of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples signed the Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord.
Learn more – English verion – Version française
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Celebrates Breakthrough Political Accord with the Federal Government
December 5, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ National Chief, Vice-Chief and Board of Directors joined in celebration today for the signing of a renewed Political Accord with the federal government. The Accord has been the subject of negotiations with government over the past year.
Where is the government’s humanity? The lives and welfare of our children matter – Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
November 30, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is disenchanted and angered with the continued exclusion of off-reserve and non-status Indigenous children by the Government of Canada.
National Chief Robert Bertrand outraged that Trudeau continues to exclude off-reserve & non-status Indigenous community
Indigenous Youth at Risk Following Ontario’s Move to Repeal Legislation Governing the Work of the Ontario Child Advocate
November 19, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – Indigenous children and youth are among the most vulnerable in the province and face significant risk following the recently announced cut’s to Ontario’s Child Advocate position.
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples says the federal engagement on the Indigenous rights recognition legislation has been off track from the start
November 15, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is calling for a hard reset on the federal engagement for the Recognition and Implementation of the Indigenous Rights Framework.
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples commemorates National Aboriginal Veterans Day
November 8, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples commemorates National Aboriginal Veterans Day, in honour of all Indigenous peoples who have served for Canada.
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and Native Alliance of Quebec concerned with reporting on ‘’fake Indian status card’’
A recent news article by the CBC was posted on October 19th 2018, on a police investigation into the ‘’use of fake Indian status cards for tax breaks’’.
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples pleased with Canada’s move to end solitary confinement in federal prisons
October 17, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is pleased with the introduction of Bill C-83, Corrections and Conditional Release Act, tabled yesterday by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.