Statement of apology to United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising

Context

At a historic gathering held on October 26, 2024, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, delivered a formal statement of apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to Aundeck Omni Kaning, M'Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning and Zhiibaahaasing First Nations and their members for past wrongs relating to the Crown's mismanagement of their monies in the late 1800s.

United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising Statement of Apology

Anishinaabe Elders, Chiefs, Councillors, present and former leaders and members of the Manitoulin Island First Nations, comprising Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, M'Chigeeng First Nation, Sheguiandah First Nation, Sheshegwaning First Nation and Zhiibaahaasing First Nation, I am honoured to be here today on behalf of the Government of Canada, and all Canadians, to apologize for the Crown's mismanagement of trust monies and the negative impacts this has had on your communities. Our acknowledgment extends to your ancestors, who fought for justice and to protect your rights and way of life.

To all First Nations members, past and present, I would like to offer these sincere words: we are sorry. Gwaawii njida.

Even before Confederation, the Anishinaabeg cultivated life from these pristine lands and waters here on Mnidoo Mnising. I understand that over 170 years ago, through the Treaty Relationship, your ancestors were promised that their culture and way of life would flourish. It was pledged that obligations would be honoured to safeguard the Anishinaabeg culture and way of life on Manitoulin Island.

We are sorry that in the aftermath of the 1862 Articles of Agreement, the Crown failed to fulfill obligations and that this created injustices that continue to be felt by communities today.

We are sorry for the cultural, spiritual and economic impact this had on your ancestors and generations to follow. We are sorry that the Crown did not uphold and honour its relationship with you, which goes against the spirit and intent of the Treaties. The Honour of the Crown required that the Crown uphold its duties in a manner that was mutually beneficial and respectful of the relationship between the Anishinaabeg and Canada. We broke these obligations and ultimately, trust with your communities and for that, we are truly sorry.

Instead of enabling Anishinaabeg communities to thrive and economically benefit from land sales, the funds intended for them were used to build roads and for the settlement of Manitoulin Island. This misuse of funds tarnished our relationship and placed undue hardships upon your people and for that, we are sorry.

Mnidoo Mnising shines as a beacon of resilience, a place where your lands, waters and people demonstrate unwavering strength despite past trials. The communities here, advocating for justice and rightful compensation, have shown remarkable perseverance. The passing of knowledge across generations and not forgetting what is right, is to be admired. To those who participated in collecting knowledge and conducting the foundational research such as the late Albert "Hardy" Peltier, the UCCMM technicians, your advisors, your leadership and others, we know they were instrumental in preparing the necessary knowledge to pursue the reconciliation of the claims. This legacy underscores the collective spirit of never giving up. It is this enduring commitment to your rights and heritage that highlights the true beauty of Mnidoo Mnising.

The persistence and resilience of each First Nation and as represented by the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising serve as an example for all Canadians. In order to learn, in order to heal, in order to advance reconciliation, we must all acknowledge past wrongs and the multifaceted impacts of colonialism. It is our collective responsibility to continue to educate ourselves on the history of Canada – and that includes the history of Indigenous peoples – so that we can move toward greater understanding and respect.

There is no way to undo the past, nor to fully atone for wrongs perpetuated over many decades. In concluding a negotiated settlement that includes compensation to address historic wrongs, I believe that now we have the opportunity to open a new chapter. A chapter where trust can be rebuilt.

As we stand in 2024, we pledge to do better. Recognizing our past mistakes, we commit to a future where Anishinaabe culture, language, and treaty rights are celebrated and respected. Through a negotiated settlement, including compensation for historic wrongs, we aim to rebuild trust and strengthen our relationship.

In the spirit of reconciliation and partnership, we look forward to writing a new chapter together, for the benefit of our present and future generations.

Thank you. Miigwetch.