A former commissioner of the MMIWG national inquiry says an Indigenous governor general would have the opportunity to talk about the real history of Canada every time they travelled around the world.
That history includes the horrific crimes Canada committed against Indigenous people – First Nations, Inuit and Metis – since first contact said Michele Audette on Nation to Nation Thursday.
“That person will be able to educate and promote and remind what Canada did and still do today,” said Audette. “Whenever that person will travel or meet people on behalf of Canada.”
The position recently became open when former governor general Julie Payette resigned after a federal report confirmed a toxic workplace at Rideau Hall. News of the allegations were first brought to light by CBC News last July.
Audette said it doesn’t matter to her if the person is First Nation, Inuit or Metis.
Chief Bobby Cameron also supports the next governor general being an Indigenous person as long as that person is First Nations.
That’s because treaties were signed with the governor general and it’s time a First Nations person be appointed.
“We are the only distinct group that have inherent and treaty rights,” said Cameron on Nation to Nation.
Cameron explains his position in depth below in the video of the complete show, along with Audette.
N2N also speaks with Amy Norman, an Inuk woman running as an NDP candidate (Lake Meville) in the upcoming Newfoundland and Labrador provincial election. Polls open across the province on Feb. 13.
Norman said Indigenous issues have always been front and centre in her life.
“When it comes to me and Indigenous issues I don’t just talk to the I really walk the walk. I always have and I always will be,” she said.
