First Nations
Proud Métis, Marc G. Serré committed to reconciliation and partnership with local First Nations
Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt since 2015, has never hidden his Indigenous origins; in fact, this proud Métis is well involved in the issue of reconciliation with First Nations across the country through his work on the National Indigenous caucus and with his strong advocacy with First Nations communities in the Nickel Belt riding.
Over the years, he’s taken the time to directly meet with Indigenous chiefs and partners in his riding in order to better understand them and know their needs. A champion of active listening, Mr. Serré then took action to secure over $ 7.8 million in funding from various federal departments aimed at improving the quality of life for Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Wahnapitae First Nation and Mattagami First Nation, the three First Nations in Nickel Belt. Some of these investments include:
· $ 120,000 to help the Mattagami First Nation improve its tourism activities related to fishing tournaments, stimulate tourism and create economic opportunities in the territory;
Over $ 1 million to build six new homes in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
$ 269,000 to provide high speed Internet to the Wahnapitae First Nation community, with the goal of connecting 74 underserved households, including 68 Indigenous households, to high-speed Internet.
$ 202,000 to improve the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek community center
$ 875,000 intended for the First Nations of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Wahnapitae and Mattagami to implement a range of measures such as the following: support for elders and vulnerable members of communities, improved food security, services mental health support, emergency response services, and more.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that these communities have the quality of life to which they deserve. Therefore, in budget 2021, the Liberal government is committed to addressing the social, health and economic disparities that affect Indigenous peoples by investing $ 18 billion over the next five years to promote health and safety and the prosperity of Indigenous communities.
“Each of us must play a role in making the voice of Indigenous peoples heard, eliminating systemic racism, inequalities and discrimination, and moving forward on the path of reconciliation - together," says Serré. “I am deeply committed to continue listening and delivering solutions to the First Nations of Nickel Belt and to working on their behalf. Our country has many injustices to address including the tragic discoveries at residential schools, and we must continue to advance reconciliation, ensure access to quality water sources for remaining communities, housing and social services and stimulating economic development and self-determination. The recently released Liberal platform traces the path forward on exactly that. "
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Marc G. Serré will be campaigning throughout the communities of Nickel Belt over the next few weeks. He invites you to come and meet him to share your concerns and your suggestions for projects to improve the lives of the people of Nickel Belt.
Link
Liberal Platform : https://liberal.ca/our-plan/