The six chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation say they were very disappointed after meeting with Premier Blaine Higgs and the cabinet on Wednesday.
The chiefs want an independent inquiry to look at systemic bias and racism against Indigenous people in the police and justice systems.
But Premier Blaine Higgs doesn’t support an independent inquiry- at least not right now.
Opposition Critic for Aboriginal Affairs Lisa Harris says the Chiefs will not stop until their voices are heard.
“This just stems back to prove that they are not being listened to, and what they are asking for, is not a priority of this government. It’s a sure sign of systemic bias, and systemic racism happening right before our eyes,” Harris says.
She says they will continue to raise this issue everyday, “”As the Official Opposition, we are going to be sure to bring this up everyday to keep on this government to ensure they begin to listen to the Chiefs and show some respect and get to the place where they are listening to what the Chiefs want,” Harris says. “These Chiefs are fully capable of making decisions, and this government in turn should be fully capable of listening and acting upon their wishes.”
This comes after the police shooting deaths of two aboriginals, Chantel Moore and Rodney Levi in New Brunswick.
