Mr. Speaker, I was truly moved to be at Victoria Island today to welcome the group of young people who finished their 1,600 km journey to Ottawa in support of the Idle No More movement.
The initial six young people left their James Bay Cree community of Whapmagoostui in January on their journey of nishiyuu, which means “journey of the people” in Cree.
This group of individuals, walking through the snow on snowshoes, welcomed hundreds of people who joined them along the way.
These young people have inspired us all with their message of hope and their plea that the government change its unilateral and paternalistic approach to aboriginal people in Canada.
The Liberal Party of Canada wholeheartedly supports these young people and their inspiring message. We must now honour their courage by working with aboriginal peoples to close the unacceptable gaps in outcomes in terms of health, education, housing, water and their participation in the economy.