Canadian Quotes: Arthur Manuel
On July 3rd, we celebrate Arthur Manuel!
As UN studies have concluded, recognition of our right to self-determination and our land rights are absolutely essential for the survival of our peoples. In the silhot in decision, the Supreme Court explicitly recognized that our Aboriginal title gives us "the right to determine.. the uses to which the land is put and to enjoy its economic fruits." We can now appear before the world as peoples with a recognized land base who are on the road to decolonization.
To Canadians who fear the changes that this will bring to this country, I can only say to them that there is no downside to justice. Just as there was no downside to abolishing slavery, to the winning of equal civil rights for blacks in Canada and the United States, to the emancipation of women. The moves away from the racism and misogyny in the past have only enriched the lives of all of us. The same will happen when racist doctrines still in force against Indigenous peoples are replaced by recognition of our rights.
From Unsettling Canada: A National Wake-up Call by Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson, emphasis mine
