Assembly Vote
19th Assembly, 2nd SessionMarch 3, 2021
Motion Sponsor
Topic
Motion Text
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The motion is on systemic racism:
WHEREAS half the population of the Northwest Territories is Indigenous;
AND WHEREAS the population of the Northwest Territories is becoming more racially diverse;
AND WHEREAS Indigenous peoples have faced colonialism and cultural genocide;
AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories has accepted the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the principles of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the calls to justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
AND WHEREAS there is growing public awareness of the impacts of racism in society brought to light by the grassroots efforts of Black Lives Matter and other anti-racism organizations;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that this Legislative Assembly calls upon the Government of the Northwest Territories to review its policies and practices for racial and cultural bias, especially as they relate to education, health and social services, justice, housing, and government hiring;
AND FURTHER, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this motion within 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.