Mr. Speaker, as the New Democratic Party's aboriginal affairs critic, I am deeply troubled by this government's continuing silence regarding the royal commission's final report and recommendations. Obviously there is a pressing need to radically redefine the relationship between aboriginal peoples and the federal government.
The tragic events of recent years at Oka and Ipperwash prove how urgently action is needed. As time continues to pass, aboriginal peoples and other Canadians are left with the impression that this government has no clear idea of what should be done.
The New Democratic Party has for a long time been calling on the government to put an end to the dependency and marginalization of aboriginal peoples. As the royal commission clearly stated, to recognize our mistakes is the first step toward a new relationship based on mutual respect.
There is compelling information in the royal commission's report about systemic physical, sexual and emotional abuses in residential schools, all in the name of our government's assimilationist policies.
To make sure justice is done to the victims of abuse would be one small remedy which would begin an essential healing process. Formal apologies and compensation were offered to Japanese Canadians for treatment during the second world war. Now is the time for apologies to and the healing of aboriginal peoples.
I strongly believe that a true partnership cannot be achieved without mutual respect and recognition. The royal commission stressed the importance of recognizing that aboriginal peoples in Canada form distinct nations and, as such, have a right to fashion their societies in ways which reflect their values and cultures. I certainly share this vision.
In that sense, both explicit constitutional recognition and concrete actions to implement the inherent right to self-government are essential.
The government finally established a policy regarding self-government negotiations in 1995. These negotiations are a first step to replacing the paternalistic relationship established under the Indian Act, but the unacceptable requirement of exchanging treaty rights for extinguishment of aboriginal rights is still part of the negotiation process. How could we have a relationship based on trust and mutual respect with such a policy?
I also share the view of the royal commission that aboriginal governments must be considered as a third legitimate government, like the provinces and the federal government. Nations are not like municipalities and this should be reflected in these agreements.
Aboriginal nations should be able to decide which power they want to exercise in accordance with the charter of rights and freedoms and the fundamental principles of the Canadian constitution.
Given the dramatic situation regarding health, education, housing and the employment of aboriginal peoples on and off reserve, these are a matter of priority.
Aboriginal peoples are better placed than anyone else to find solutions adapted to their own realities and traditions, but the government must not simply transfer its responsibilities and run. This situation must be addressed in true collaboration.
Another important aspect of restructuring the relationship is to establish a fair base for dispute settlement. The NDP is a long time supporter of an independent land claims commission. Such a commission should have a tribunal-like decision power and report its activities to Parliament.
A land base is essential to the exercise of self-government. The NDP supports the process presently in place for the creation of Nunavut. It is also important that the Métis people, who have been ignored by governments since the last century, be recognized as having full aboriginal rights and a land and resource base to exercise self-government.
I could go on for hours talking about the changes which I believe are necessary to correct centuries of abuses and wrong policies. My colleagues in the NDP certainly share the view that the very principle of a new relationship based on mutual respect lies in our ability to listen to aboriginal peoples. History cannot be forgotten, but we can certainly act on it to create a better future.