Responce to comments of David Ahenakew

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I am deeply disturbed to have learned of the extraordinary anti-Semitic and racist remarks attributed to Saskatchewan First Nations Senator Dr. David Ahenakew in newspaper reports. As national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and on behalf of all First Nations and First Nations peoples from all regions in Canada, I unconditionally reject these hateful, ignorant and unacceptable remarks made by Dr. Ahenakew. These comments are damaging and they are morally offensive. We regret these insulting comments directed at our Jewish brothers and sisters who have in fact supported First Nations in many of our struggles.

Millions of people around the world, including hundreds of thousands of Canadians, responded to the call to defeat Nazi oppression and the march of fascism. Many, including a disproportionate number of First Nations people from Canada, gave their lives in this struggle against Hitler's evil in Europe and elsewhere.

For hundreds of years, Indigenous peoples around the world have been and are still being subjected to horrendous intolerance, discrimination, racism and various forms of genocide. We have cried out against these continuing injustices, and have been joined by decent and well-meaning people of many races and faiths-including very many Jews-in doing so.

I have contacted senior representatives in the Jewish community to convey our regrets and offer our assistance in any way that may be helpful to deal with this regrettable situation. We want to ensure the positive relationship we enjoy with the Jewish community remains strong and intact.

There can never be any justification for racism or genocide, anywhere. Accordingly, First Nations leaders and peoples in Canada reject and dissociate themselves from any action or expression of racism, bigotry, and injustice, no matter whether they are aimed at us or at Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu or any other people.

The AFN and First Nations find these comments offensive and totally unacceptable. An apology is a necessary first step and further efforts may be required to repair the damage and hurt inflicted by these comments.

National Chief

Matthew Coon Come

Assembly of First Nations