Indigenous community upset over Smith's version of Canadian history
CTV
Danielle Smith released a video from her trip to Ottawa Friday reflecting on the origin story of Canada that's not sitting well with Indigenous groups in southern Alberta, who are offended by what the Alberta premier said.
Danielle Smith released a video from her trip to Ottawa Friday reflecting on the origin story of Canada that's not sitting well with Indigenous groups in southern Alberta, who are offended by what the Alberta premier said.
Against a backdrop of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, Smith said, "As I walk the streets of our nation's capital, I can't help but be reminded of the history of this place, including how Canada was founded.
"Many years ago," she said, "the Indigenous people of this land and those that came from across the world united to tame an unforgiving frontier ensuring prosperity for countless future generations.
"It was their duty to support one another as neighbours and to build this country together, developing democratic institutions that would yield good and stable governance," Smith said, continuing.
"I think it's important to remind ourselves where we came from because it might help shape where we're going."
Jessica Salkeld, of the Reconciliation Action Group YYC, described Smith's comments as "dehumanizing, demoralizing and hurtful."
Salkeld said she has seen the video a number of times and said she's hearing from the Indigenous community all over the province who are against it.
