The Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is looking for some municipal support.
Perry Bellegarde addressed local leaders attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference in Ottawa by outlining a number of issues Indigenous people are seeking, including a change to the education curriculum.
He says educators should be teaching students about Indigenous and Treaty rights.
The Indian Act and Residential Schools should also be included in the education system according to Bellegarde.
Bellegarde also encouraged municipal reps to build relations with First Nations communities within their reach.
Bellegarde says a coordinated effort is needed to ensure everyone has adequate housing, education and health care services.
He notes half of Canada’s First Nations population live in urban areas.
Bellegarde is also asking for support in the implementation of the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Inquiry.
