The ‘Freedom Convoy’ and the First Nations’ experience: setting the record straight

Despite the hardships unduly faced, our people never looked at overthrowing or overriding government. Although First Nations continue to advocate for their right to autonomy as accorded them through treaties with the Crown, we would never subscribe to treason within our own country.

Freedom trucker convoy protest Ottawa, Feb. 6, 2022. The ongoing protests, with the stated goal of overriding government, are being met with a more passive police response. Why has the rule of law been applied unevenly in these two instances? Protesters blowing horns all day and night and not allowing people to sleep is a form of torture against vulnerable residents. Sleep deprivation is traditionally used by torturers around the world. This is not freedom of expression.The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Opinion

BY ISG SENATOR MARY JANE MCCALLUM AND GRAND CHIEF ARLEN DUMAS

February 14, 2022

Throughout the short history of settler colonialism in our country of Canada, First Nations have endured various types and degrees of genocide at the hands of federal and provincial policy. Despite the hardships unduly faced, our people never looked at overthrowing or overriding government. Although...

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