With Thursday being Earth Day, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is holding a Day of Solidarity with First Nations land users to coincide with the date.
The FSIN is inviting people to celebrate and acknowledge the relationship between First Nations people and land, along with the importance of knowledge keepers. This Earth Day, the FSIN says they’re here to show their dedication to upholding and fighting for their Inherent and Treaty Rights to be on land, as far too often their people are subject to systemic racism when they’re exercising their Treaty Rights. FSIN Vice-Chief, Heather Bear says quote “We want to acknowledge our Treaty land users and our knowledge keepers on this Day of Solidarity and recognize the struggles they experience on a daily basis, while calling on the government to hold a public inquiry into systemic racism.
She adds “We are here to remind governments of their responsibility to stop indiscriminate development, stop selling off our public lands, and stop biased policies and behaviors that harm First Nations and the environment.”