Statement: Nunatukavut Calls on Province to Stop Celebration Of

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Statement: Nunatukavut Calls on Province to Stop Celebration Of

STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NUNATUKAVUT CALLS ON PROVINCE TO STOP CELEBRATION OF “DISCOVERY DAY” HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, June 15, 2020 – Following a letter written to Premier Dwight Ball today, NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) President Todd Russell issued the statement below: “NCC is calling on the provincial government to end the observance of Discovery Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a day that perpetuates colonialist policies and a legacy that has detrimentally impacted NunatuKavut Inuit and our communities for generations. It undermines our people’s longstanding connection to our lands, sea and ice and carries with it an inaccurate and misleading understanding of history. The celebration of a day devoted to ‘discovery’ is also supported by the Doctrine of Discovery, which sought to rationalize the pillage and theft of Indigenous lands. This doctrine has been resoundingly rejected. The time has come to rid our society of these symbols of colonization and oppression. There is a strong and ongoing movement against racism and a fight for equality happening in Canada and around the world. People are fighting for justice and are standing up for lasting change. Ending the observance of Discovery Day is an opportunity to contribute to reconciliation and correct the narrative about the history of Indigenous peoples in this part of the world. NCC commits to working with Premier Ball and Indigenous leaders on naming a day that celebrates and appropriately reflects the facts of history and the tremendous contributions of all Indigenous peoples to this province. This act of positive change would open the space for other acts of reconciliation to take place. It is our hope that 2019 was the last Discovery Day in Newfoundland and Labrador.” NCC Media Contact: Kelly Broomfield Director of Communications T. 709-280-5965 .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

P-00418 Page 1 CBC
CIMFP Exhibit P-00418 Page 1 CBC Canadian taxpayers will ultimately bear Muskrat Falls burden, predicts Ron Penney Longtime critic of hydro project says NL taxpayer cannot afford the billions in debt Terry Roberts · CBC News · Posted: Sep 13, 2018 8:20 PM NT | Last Updated: September 16 Ron Penney is a former senior public servant in Newfoundland and Labrador and outspoken critic of the controversial Muskrat Falls project. (Eddy Kennedy/CBC) Ron Penney says Canadians from across the country should be deeply worried about Muskrat Falls, because he's certain they will shoulder the burden of the billions being spent to construct the controversial hydroelectric project in Labrador. "One hundred per cent," Penney says when asked if Ottawa will have to bail out the province for taking a gamble that has "gone very, very wrong." CIMFP Exhibit P-00418 Page 2 Lonely critics Penney is a lawyer and former senior public servant with the province and the City of St. John's. He's also among the founding members of the Muskrat Falls Concerned Citizens Coalition. The spillway at Muskrat Falls. (Eddy Kennedy/CBC) Penney and David Vardy, another former senior public servant, were early and vocal critics of Muskrat Falls at a time when public opinion was solidly behind it and former premier Danny Williams, a hard-charging politician who wielded a lot of inﬂuence, was its biggest booster. Opposing the project in those days invited ridicule and dismissal, making it diﬃcult for people to speak out, said Penney, in a province where "dissent is frowned upon" and so many people are connected to government in some way.
[Show full text]
Former Provincial Government Officials 2003-2015
Commission of Inquiry Respecting the Muskrat Falls Project STANDING APPLICATIONS FOR FORMER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS 2003 - 2015 AS REPRESENTED BY DANNY WILLIAMS, Q.C. THOMAS MARSHALL, Q.C., PAUL DAVIS, SHAWN SKINNER, JEROME KENNEDY, Q.C. AND DERRICK DALLEY FOR THE MUSKRAT FALLS INQUIRY DECISION APRIL 6, 2018 LEBLANC, J.: INTRODUCTION [1] Danny Williams, Q.C., Thomas Marshall, Q.C., Paul Davis, Shawn Skinner, Jerome Kennedy, Q.C. and Derrick Dalley have applied as a group, referred to as Former Government Officials 2003 - 2015. All are members of past Progressive Conservative administrations in place from 2003 up to December 2015. It was during this period of time that the Muskrat Falls Project was initiated, sanctioned and construction commenced. Mr. Williams, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Davis were the Premier of the Province at various times throughout this period while Mr. Skinner, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Dalley, along with Mr. Marshall, were the Minister of Natural Resources at various times. In those capacities all were significantly involved with this Project. The applicants now apply as a group for full standing at the Inquiry hearings on the basis that they have a common or similar interest in the Inquiry's investigative mandate. Page2 [2] The applicants also seek a funding recommendation for one counsel to act on behalf of the group in order to represent their interests at the Inquiry hearings. [3] There is also a request by the applicants that they individually be entitled to retain their own separate legal counsel, without any funding request, to represent the interests of each individual as they may arise during the course of the Inquiry.
[Show full text]
Core 1..48 Committee
Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans FOPO Ï NUMBER 119 Ï 1st SESSION Ï 42nd PARLIAMENT EVIDENCE Thursday, November 8, 2018 Chair Mr. Ken McDonald 1 Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans Thursday, November 8, 2018 The NunatuKavut Community Council is the representative government of approximately 6,000 southern Inuit who belong to (1105) Ï this territory. Do you see this lady here? People ask, “Why do you [English] put her there?” Women are strong in our culture. They're the culture The Chair (Mr. Ken McDonald (Avalon, Lib.)): Good morning, carriers. This is a woman who was obviously the head of her everyone. household. In our tradition, she would be fishing and she would probably do a little bit of hunting at the same time, providing for her Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), we are doing a study of the family, and in some regards, for her community. That's what we want current state of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' small craft to do as a government—provide for our community. harbours. I'd like to welcome our guests this morning. By video conference, We have a vision to be self-governing. We will provide and care we have Mr. Alex Patterson from the community services and for one another, our families and communities, while nurturing our tourism division of the Municipality of Wawa. Here in person, from relationship with our land, ice and waters. We try to keep that vision the NunatuKavut Community Council, we have the president, Todd firmly in front of us as we do our work on behalf of our people.
[Show full text]
Lieu/Rot/Cid-Land Labrador
CIMFP Exhibit P-04096 Page 1 (-IZ v-td Mo .23 //8 vi•c, ez5u kfriai lieu/rot/Cid-Land Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Natural Resources Labrador Office of the Minister MAY 162018 Mr. Brendan Paddick, Chair Board of Directors Nalcor Energy 500 Columbus Drive P.O. Box 12800 St. John's, NL Al B 0C9 Dear Mr. Paddick: RE: Allegations against Nalcor Energy and its Employees In correspondence to the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, as attached and as well as in direct meetings with this Department, concerned citizens have made serious allegations concerning Nalcor Energy ("Nalcor) including its operations, activities, and the conduct of company officials and contractors. In view of these complaints and on the advice we have received from the Department of Justice and Public Safety, I am writing to request that the Internal Auditors at Nalcor, on behalf of the Board, conduct an investigation into the allegations and provide this office with those findings. The alleged incidents include harassment, safety concerns, misappropriation of funds, theft, overcharging and personal trips paid by Nalcor. Nalcor management personnel are also alleged to have been involved in some of these activities. I request that a report be provided to me within 60 days. This report should detail the investigation, findings, and actions Nalcor has taken to address its findings, including whether the actions are employment-related or mandate referral to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as appropriate. I also recommend that Nalcor disclose all relevant information relating to costs of the Muskrat Falls Project to the Commission of Inquiry Respecting the Muskrat Falls Project Order as led by Commissioner Justice Richard D.
[Show full text]
Premier's Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes
The Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational isNow the Outcomes Time The Next Chapter in Education in Newfoundland and Labrador THE PREMIER’S TASK FORCE ON IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES Dr. Alice Collins, Chair Dr. David Philpott Dr. Marian Fushell Dr. Margaret Wakeham Charlotte Strong, B.A., M.Ed. Research Consultant Sheila Tulk-Lane, B.A. Administrative Assistant 2017 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes wishes to acknowledge the support received from each of the government departments, especially those with youth serving mandates. The task force also acknowledges the participation of students, educators and the general public in the information gathering process. On cold winter nights people came to share their experiences and opinions in the belief that it would create change. We remember a mother who drove 45 minutes through freezing rain at night to tell about her experiences over fifteen years advocating on behalf of her son with autism who is graduating this year. “I know this won’t impact him but I hope it might help the next family that comes along.” Special thanks to: Eldred Barnes Paul Chancey Kim Christianson Lloyd Collins Don McDonald Chris Mercer Sharon Pippy Kerry Pope Scott Rideout Anne Marie Rose QC Bonita Ryan Ross Tansley Jim Tuff Sheila Tulk-Lane We extend sincere appreciation to Charlotte Strong. Charlotte’s passion for learning was a constant reminder of the importance of striving to improve educational outcomes for every child in this province. We will each say that having the opportunity to work with her will remain a highlight of our careers.
[Show full text]
Quebec-Newfoundland and Labrador's Relationship Valérie
Uneasy Neighbours: Quebec-Newfoundland and Labrador's Relationship Valérie Vézina Faculty, Political Science Kwantlen Polytechnic University [email protected] Note: This is a work in progress. Please do not cite without the permission of the author. Newfoundland and Labrador only has one direct territorial contact with another province: Quebec. The harsh and often unwelcoming territory of Labrador has been the centre of the animosity between the two provinces. In the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding Churchill Falls, the Court, in a 7-1 decision, ruled that Quebec had no obligation to renegotiate the contract. Despite the reassuring words of the Newfoundland and Labrador Premier, Dwight Ball, that the two provinces have much more to gain collaborating and that he would do so with Quebec Premier, François Legault, the general comments in both provinces by citizens does not tend towards collaboration and friendship. Why is that so? What are the factors that have contributed in the past to so many tensions between the two neighbours? What contributes today to such feelings among the public despite the willingness of political actors to move on, to develop partnerships? This paper will explore these questions. It will be revealed that 'historical' collective memories as well as cultural products (songs, humour, slogans) have helped perpetuating an uneasy relationship among Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. Resentment can be an individual emotion, an anger felt towards a perceived injustice. However, as Stockdale (2013) argues, resentment is certainly individual but can also be collective. She demonstrates that "the reasons for resentment in cases of broader social and political resentments will often be tied to social vulnerability and experiences of injustice." (Stockdale, 2013: 5) Furthermore, "collective resentment is resentment that is felt and expressed by individuals in response to a perceived threat to a collective to which they belong.
[Show full text]
Newfoundland and Labrador Studies Importance of a Sense of Place To
Newfoundland and Labrador Studies importance of a sense of place to the creative life of the province. Finally, pathways routinely intersect, and in many of these essays we witness different forms of creative activity crossing with and influencing each other, reinforcing the view of an intimate but complex cultural milieu. Herb Wyile Acadia University James McLeod. Turmoil, as Usual: Politics in Newfoundland and Labrador and the Road to the 20 15 Election. St. John’s: Creative Publishers, 2016. isbn 978-1-77103-081-6 The cottage industry of Newfoundland and Labrador political writ- ings is a very small but passionate market. Every so often, one of the local presses publishes a work that fulfills a broader purpose of being both entertaining and of historic value. The splendidly namedTurmoil, as Usual is one such book. Turmoil, as Usual is a fun, easy read while simultaneously acting as a repository of information. James McLeod is a Telegram reporter who has been covering the province’s political scene since 2011. The book, his first, is a compendium of events that transpired between2012 and 2015, a tumultuous period resulting from a leadership vacuum after populist Danny Williams retired as Progressive Conservative Party leader and Premier. The politicking that McLeod describes would be laughable if it were not such strong evidence of the elitist and anti- quated nature of Newfoundland democracy. It is only by living through the political instability of that time that one can truly appreciate its absurdity. The list of events is too long to get into here. Suffice it to say the cast of characters included multiple 216 newfoundland and labrador studies, 31, 1 (2016) 1719-1726 Book Reviews anointed pc premiers, a Liberal leader who avoids direct answers, an ndp opposition party that self-destructed, and a number of Members of the House of Assembly (mhas) who crossed the floor.
[Show full text]
Speaking Notes for President Todd Russell at the Announcement of Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Discussions with the Government of Canada
Speaking Notes for President Todd Russell at the Announcement of Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Discussions with the Government of Canada Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador July 12, 2018 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY 2 Thank you Dorothy and good morning to you all. It is a pleasure and a true honour to be here today on behalf of the NunatuKavut Community Council and our people, the Southern Inuit of NunatuKavut. Let us acknowledge our elders – those of you who are here with us, those in our communities who could not be present and those who have passed on. They are our constant connection and reminder of where we have come from, and to the land to which we belong. I welcome Minister Carolyn Bennett, Parliamentary Secretary and Labrador MP Yvonne Jones, Provincial Minister Lisa Dempster, our people and other special guests for joining us for this historic announcement. We welcome you to our traditional territory of NunatuKavut, which is shared territory with other Indigenous peoples. This is a long-awaited day for all Southern Inuit as we embark upon a path together with the Government of Canada that respects our Inuit rights and our right to self-determination. I want to personally recognize Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Bennett for their diligence on following through on a promise of a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, and specifically with Southern Inuit. The Prime Minister, who was then Liberal Party Leader, committed that a Liberal government would “accept the NunatuKavut Land Claim and move it to the negotiating table immediately.” After an intense and rigorous process of engagement that commitment is being fulfilled.
[Show full text]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE St. John's, NL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE St. John's, NL – November 30, 2018 Fortis Donates $500,000 to Set the Stage Capital Campaign Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") President and CEO, Barry Perry, today announced in Corner Brook a significant financial commitment to the Set the Stage Capital Campaign. The Corporation is donating $500,000 to support the construction of a new performing arts centre for the Gros Morne Theatre Festival in the community of Cow Head on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Fortis is committed to advancing arts and culture in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Barry Perry, President and CEO, Fortis. "Whether at home or throughout North America, we should strive to preserve the history of our people and retell it for generations to come. We are pleased to provide funding to Theatre Newfoundland Labrador so they can do exactly that." "On behalf of the Campaign Committee, I want to thank Fortis for their considerable contribution to the future of theatre in this Province," said the Honourable Brian Tobin, Campaign Chair of the Set the Stage Capital Campaign. "In demonstrating your support through this gift, you are very literally setting the stage to enable current and even more future students to fill our hearts with the art of theatre and story-telling unlike no other." "Theatre Newfoundland Labrador has long been a key contributor to arts and culture of our Province," said the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Today's donation from Fortis recognizes that contribution, and will support great performances and world-class talent for many years to come." For almost 40 years, Theatre Newfoundland Labrador ("TNL") has set the stage for magical experiences.
[Show full text]
Community Wellbeing & Resource Development
2014 Community Wellbeing & Resource Development Fourth Annual ReSDA Workshop Report ReSDA Community Report #5 Prepared by Valoree Walker & Bronwyn Beairsto Hotel North 2 Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL October 2-4, 2014 Community wellbeing & resource development Resources and Fourth Annual ReSDA Research Workshop Sustainable Development in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS the Arctic (ReSDA) The ReSDA network would like to thank the many groups and individuals that ReSDA is a research supported and contributed to the success of the event: network that brings A special thank you to Minister Keith Russell, Happy Valley Goose Bay together researchers Mayor Jamie Snook and the President of NunatuKavut Community from a broad range of disciplines and Council, Todd Russell for taking time to welcome everyone and sharing organizations some insightful comments to start the discussions of the workshop. representing We would also like to thank the Labrador workshop coordinating communities, committee: government, the private . Morgon Mills (Labrador Institute) sector and non-profit . Ron Sparkes (Labrador Institute) organizations. Through partnerships and . Harry Borlase (Nunatsiavut) collaborations we . Patricia Nash (NunatuKavut) conduct and mobilize . Michelle Watkins (Labrador Affairs Office, research aimed at the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador) sustainable Also a special thank you to Morgon Mills for making all the local development of Arctic arrangements and ensuring that the people of Labrador were well natural resources in a manner that will represented at this event. improve the health and The Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada wellbeing of northern (SSHRC) for providing core funding for both ReSDA and this workshop. communities while The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for providing preserving the region's funding to support the workshop and northern participant travel.
[Show full text]
Newfoundland and Labrador Response Monitor
North American COVID-19 Policy Response Monitor: Newfoundland and Labrador February 21, 2021 What is the North American COVID-19 Policy Response Monitor? The North American COVID-19 policy monitor has been designed to collect and organize up-to-date information on how jurisdictions are responding to the crisis. It summarizes responses of health systems as well as wider public health initiatives. The North American policy monitor is an offshoot of the international COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor (HSRM), a joint undertaking of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Commission and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Canadian content to HSRM is contributed by the North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (NAO). Contents List of Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................. 2 1. Preventing transmission ........................................................................................................................... 3 2. Ensuring sufficient physical infrastructure and workforce capacity ....................................................... 16 3. Providing health services effectively....................................................................................................... 21 4. Paying for services .................................................................................................................................. 27 5. Governance ............................................................................................................................................
[Show full text]
Core 1..40 Committee (PRISM::Advent3b2 17.25)
Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs INAN Ï NUMBER 105 Ï 1st SESSION Ï 42nd PARLIAMENT EVIDENCE Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Chair The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk 1 Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs Tuesday, May 1, 2018 safeguarding the individual and collective human rights of all indigenous peoples in Canada. Ï (1535) [English] For over 47 years, CAP has committed itself to advocating for the The Chair (Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk (Kildonan—St. Paul, rights and needs of the off-reserve status and non-status Indians, Lib.)): Welcome, everybody. Métis peoples, and southern Inuit, the majority of whom live in urban, rural, and remote areas. CAP also serves as the national voice It's a historic day, and now we are at the INAN committee. We are for its 11 provincial and territorial affiliates, which are instrumental discussing Bill C-262, an act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in in providing us with a direct connection to the priorities and needs of harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of our constituents. Indigenous Peoples. As we sit in this relatively new committee room, we are actually [Translation] on the unceded territory of the Algonquin people. History is still alive and we must understand the truth before we can deal with From coast to coast, the provincial and territorial affiliates of the reconciliation. We have begun the process. Congress of Aboriginal Peoples play a leading role in providing us with direct access to the needs and interests of our fellow citizens. The way it works is that you'll have up to 10 minutes to present.
[Show full text]