N.B. Working Group To Address Truth And Reconciliation Commission Report

New Brunswick has announced a new working group to address the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.

The committee includes members of the Mi’gmaq, Wolastoqey and Peskotomuhkati Nations, as well as all four political parties in the legislature.

It will be co-chaired by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn and Regional Chief Roger Augustine.

Dunn said the government has identified and advanced “a number of” the 94 Calls to Action identified in the report since 2015.

But she said the working group will provide the government with a greater understanding of the priorities of First Nations.

“I want this group to serve as an accountability body that provides a forum for meaningful and culturally relevant engagement,” Dunn said in a news release.

The working group will report to a permanent standing committee of the legislature, which Dunn said should allow it to continue its work unimpeded by any changes in government.

Augustine said there is much work to be done to meet the objectives of the Calls to Action, but this is a good start.

“Honouring the past and reconciling the future should be every New Brunswickers’ agenda,” said Augustine in the release. “Our people are long overdue for real work toward respecting our treaty rights.”

Also part of the working group are Chief Rebecca Knockwood of the Mi’gmaq Nation, Chief Ross Perley of the Wolastoqey Nation, Chief Hugh Akagi of the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik, President Barry Labillois of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, St. Croix MLA Kathy Bockus, Miramichi Bay-Neguac MLA Lisa Harris, Green Party Leader David Coon and Miramichi MLA Michelle Conroy.

They will be supported by a guiding group of eight members, including three elders, Grand Chief Ron Tremblay, Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch, Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Margaret Johnson, Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin and deputy Aboriginal Affairs Minister Cade Libby.

The working group will meet in the coming weeks.