Mr. Speaker, there was an allegation made earlier in the year in a publication that this government was promoting religious beliefs through the imposition of this policy and that is categorically rejected by myself and the government. The policy says that any programs and services we deliver should recognize the spiritual values and beliefs that are held by the aboriginal people. We hold that to be a valid and legitimate position to advance. We do not ask anyone to take on a belief they do not hold, just to respect that people have values and spiritual beliefs that must be recognized and taken into account when we advance our own work and develop our own policies when we develop our own programs and services. That is the position we take. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 417-13(4): Accusations Made Regarding Traditional Knowledge
In the Legislative Assembly on February 28th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 417-13(4): Accusations Made Regarding Traditional Knowledge
Question 417-13(4): Accusations Made Regarding Traditional Knowledge
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 27th, 1997
Page 963
See context to find out what was said next.