First Nations Chiefs Demand Criminalization of Residential School Denialism

The Assembly of First Nations passed an emergency resolution during its annual general meeting in Ottawa calling on the Canadian government to criminalize the denial, justification, or minimization of the residential school system. The resolution urges Canada to either amend the Combating Hate Act (Bill C-9) or create standalone legislation to treat such denialism as hate speech under the Criminal Code of Canada.

First Nations leaders, including David Monias and Linda Debassige, argued that denialism fuels anti-Indigenous racism and reopens wounds for survivors. Former special interlocutor Kimberly Murray supported the move, noting that an estimated 6,000 children died in the system and that denialism threatens the truth and reconciliation process. A private member's bill to criminalize denialism, tabled by NDP MP Leah Gazan, is currently awaiting its second reading in the House of Commons.

The Government of Canada responded that residential school denialism is a distinct issue that does not fit the scope of the Combating Hate Act. A spokesperson for the Justice Minister indicated that the matter requires further parliamentary study and consultation. During the same assembly, chiefs also passed resolutions opposing federal and provincial efforts to expedite major infrastructure projects, citing concerns over environmental protections and informed consent.