SASKATOON — Former Member of Parliament Georgina Jolibois is joining Orange Shirt Society and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip in denouncing the inappropriate use of Orange Shirt Day by organizers of the Freedom Convoy protest.
“I am expressing concern about the protest convoy using Orange Shirt Day in an inappropriate and corrupting manner. This day is dedicated to commemorating the survivors and victims of the devastating residential school system,” said Jolibois.
“Calling on students to walk out of school to protest the COVID-19 restrictions while wearing orange shirts erodes the spirit and intent of this important day — it is simply wrong and offensive. I am urging thoughtfulness and for all people, movements, and governments to properly honour Sept. 30 and to declare it a statutory holiday.”
Jolibois, when she represented the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River riding during the 42nd Canadian Parliament, sponsored a private members bill that led to the creation of the Orange Shirt National Holiday.
Last week, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Executive also opposed the tactics and actions done by those who participated in the Freedom Convoy.
The FSIN condemned open acts of racism and ignorance being committed across traditional Treaty territories with Chief Bobby Cameron saying that First Nations communities were among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our families and communities have suffered insurmountable losses because of this horrible virus and our First Nations Chiefs have implemented some of the strictest protocols in the country to keep their membership safe,” said Cameron in a statement.
He added that the convoy is not only an insult to all FSIN Chiefs but to all First Nations communities and the hundreds of their loved ones that died after contracting the virus.
“Not only are these protestors risking lives and spreading false information, but they’re also disrespecting our traditional drums, pipes, and medicines. It’s a disgrace to see our culturally sacred items being used improperly, without proper protocol, in support of anti-vaccine protests.”
