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Athabasca Tribal Council supports YMM Solidarity March

IMAGE. Supplied by the Athabasca Tribal Council.

The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) said it supports the YMM Solidarity March on June 6th.

Chief Allan Adam, President of the ATC Board of Directors, said the council supports peaceful and non-violent activism.

He added all Canadians must take the necessary steps to help the country heal.

“As we watch events and protests unfold all over the world, we need to remember that systemic racism and violence happens right here in our country, communities, neighbourhoods, and streets. Canada needs to take the steps necessary towards changes that will heal the devastation in Indigenous communities, but those steps must be taken by every individual Canadian if we are to heal as a country.”

He said the goal of the ATC is the end of systemic racism against black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities.

Chief Adam also said the oppression of Indigenous people in Canada continues today.

“The oppression of Indigenous people in Canada has been persistent and a deliberate violation of human rights, as documented in the Reclaiming Power and Place report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.”

The march aligns with worldwide demonstrations following the death of a black man while in police custody in Minnesota.

READ MORE: Solidarity march supports those who face racial discrimination

“When we raise awareness in our communities, we can continue the conversations, bring about actions that further change, and heal our communities, our nations, our country, and the world as a whole.” 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Chief Adam and the ATC urged all participants in the march to take appropriate precautions.

Public health officials recommended participants wear masks if physical distancing is not possible.

“We extend our thanks to the organizers of the YMM Solidarity March for working to shine a spotlight on systemic racism and the impact it has not only on the world but also on our own communities.”

The YMM Solidarity March begins June 6 at 12:00 p.m. at Jubilee Plaza.