AFN Chief Attacks PM Over No Colonialism Comment

AFN Chief Attacks PM Over No Colonialism Comment

Thursday, October 01, 2009 at 13:50

The chief of the Assembly of First Nations is up in arms over a remark from Stephen Harper.

The prime minister recently told an American audience that Canada has “no history of colonialism.”

AFN Chief Shawn Atleo says he finds the remarks shocking, given Canada’s history of residential schools, its denial of treaty rights, and its theft of First Nations governance.

The national chief is demanding an apology, saying Harper’s comment speaks to the need for greater public education about Canadian history.

Harper made the remarks at the recent G-20 summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.