Gatineau responds to the call from the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador
Gatineau, February 2, 2021. – Ville de Gatineau welcomes the approach launched in September by the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) through its Action Plan on Racism and Discrimination. Gatineau encourages living-together and ongoing dialogue among its different groups, and responds positively to the call for reconciliation.
Quick facts
| ● | Gatineau is already working in partnership with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community, the Algonquin Anishinabeg National Tribal Council and AFNQL. |
| ● | The AFNQL Action Plan on Racism and Discrimination proposes a series of actions that could be adopted by individuals, organizations and institutions in Quebec. |
| ● | Gatineau is responding forthwith to some of the recommendations by proceeding with the following interventions:
- designating the Mayor of Gatineau as the political representative for relations with the First Nations;
- designating the person in charge of intergovernmental relations in the Office of the Mayor as the liaison with First Nations; and
- recognizing the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community as a contact point and principal partner of Gatineau in relations with the First Nations.
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| ● | The Table de concertation du vivre-ensemble will work with our Indigenous partners on reviewing all of the actions proposed for municipalities in the AFNQL Action Plan. |
Background
| ● | The work done in 2014 on the rue Jacques-Cartier project marked a turning point in the relationship between Gatineau and the Indigenous communities. |
| ● | In the course of that project, an invaluable archeological site was uncovered, and research has indicated that the first settlement dates back more than 7000 years. |
| ● | This historic moment enabled Gatineau and the Indigenous community to move forward hand-in-hand. Since then, every action has been marked by respect and a mutual wish to build a healthy relationship among the communities. |
| ● | This newly established relationship gave rise to Place Abinan, meaning “people were here”, which was inaugurated in September 2016. This project is a powerful symbol of the rapprochement between our communities. |
Quotes
“The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador has reached out to us and called for reconciliation, which will help bring communities together. This is a constructive and positive contribution, that looks to the future and in a sense morally obligates us to take action. Today, Gatineau is taking an important step. Over the coming months, we will report on all of the proposed interventions. I am grateful to Chief Whiteduck and Chief Picard for their collaboration. I hope that other organizations will heed the call,” indicated Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin.
“The City of Gatineau is the first municipality in Quebec to adopt our plan in its entirety and on behalf of the AFNQL, I would like to thank Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin and elected officials for this significant move. The fight against racism and discrimination requires concrete actions, and the City's resolution to make its full contribution sends a clear signal about the priority to take up the challenge. This action will certainly inspire the citizens of Gatineau in their relations with the members of the Anishinabeg Nation,” declared Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL).
Associated links
AFNQL Action Plan
Table de concertation du vivre-ensemble
Speech - M. Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin (English)
Speech - M. Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin (Algonquin)
Speech - M. Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin (French)
