Pallister points to record on reconciliation after criticism

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MANITOBA Premier Brian Pallister’s office is pushing back against growing criticism from First Nations leaders after suggesting that the colonizers did not want to destroy Indigenous societies.

On Wednesday morning, Pallister sought to unite Manitobans around building a more equitable and educated society, but appeared to downplay the motivations of those who colonized the country.

“The people who came here, to this country before it was a country, and since, did not come here to destroy anything – they came here to build,” Pallister told reporters.

He likened this building effort to the destruction of statues on Canada Day at the Manitoba Legislature by a group that broke away from a rally organized by Indigenous leaders.

Within hours, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs had condemned Pallister’s remarks as “racist dog whistles” that distorted history.

On Thursday, the Grand Chief of the First Nations of northern Manitoba joined us, saying the Premier’s remarks have played down the damage caused by the residential schools.

“It is unfortunate and shameful for a premier to shed light on the deaths of thousands of children,” wrote Grand Chief Garrison Settee, who heads Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.

“Mr. Prime Minister, I say to you: look in your heart and revise your comment concerning the thousands of children who have been raped, murdered and tortured in these institutions of genocide. ”

On Thursday, the premier’s spokesperson listed many initiatives Pallister has taken as premier and during his tenure as an MP, to advance reconciliation in Manitoba. This included the property rights of indigenous women, assisting flood evacuees to return to their homes, reform of the criminal justice and child protection systems, and negotiation of land treaties.

“This record dispels attempts to distort the Prime Minister’s remarks yesterday, which were clearly focused on collective building rather than destroying others,” wrote spokeswoman Olivia Billson.

“Our government, as well as the Prime Minister personally, have a proven track record in working with Indigenous leaders and communities to advance reconciliation initiatives.

Yet Settee accused the Prime Minister of deliberately preventing Manitobans from knowing their history and speaking from the perspective of a “colonial squatter on indigenous peoples’ lands.”

Either way, Billson said the PCs would proceed with reconciliation initiatives.

“Our government remains committed to doing the very important work that lies ahead in seeking reconciliation and healing and in building a safer, healthier and more prosperous province for all Manitobans.

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