21. Acknowledging the Past in Order to Move Forward: A Resolution to Officially Reject The 1969 White Paper
WHEREAS the Liberal Party of Canada introduced ‘The White Paper’ in 1969 that sought to abolish the Indian Act, the legal relationship and nation-to-nation relationship between the Indigenous nations and Canada;
WHEREAS ‘The White Paper’ was not agreed to by the Indigenous nations who agreed to share with Canada the lands and resources that are within its borders;
WHEREAS the introduction of ‘The White Paper,’ in 1969, despite abandonment by the Liberal Party of Canada, has continued to undermine the Liberal Party of Canada’s relationships with Indigenous peoples due to little or no recognition by the of the impact such a policy could have;
WHEREAS Indigenous philosophies require the past be recognized and accounted for in order to foster better relationships and a path forward;
WHEREAS public acknowledgement by the Liberal Party of Canada that ‘The White Paper’ was a serious mistake will help build strong relationships and assist both sides of the Treaty relationship to move forward;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada, through its membership, national board, and elected representatives, at the 2014 Biennial Convention openly and with regret acknowledge that ‘The White Paper’ of 1969 was a serious mistake for the Party to consider and officially renounce what it stands for;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada will not repeat the mistakes of the past and strive for meaningful consultation when considering legislation and policy that impact the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission