The Trent University Native Association (TUNA) and the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) stand in solidarity with Indigenous Land and Water Defenders fighting against Bill 5. We stand with, and support, the fight for Indigenous sovereignty regarding the usage of Land. Indigenous people of Turtle Island have protected and lived on these lands for thousands of years. Indigenous Knowledge and environmental stewardship is critical for maintaining the lands and waters of which we reside. The implementation of Bill 5 will destroy what has been protected by Indigenous nations since time immemorial.

Canada and Ontario, signed and committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) Calls to Action in 2015. The recent passing of Bill 5 is a direct contradiction to what the TRC calls for, and what the province of Ontario has committed to upholding. The province has a legal and moral obligation to properly consult with Indigenous peoples, nations, and leaders as per Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982 and the TRC Calls to Actions. Furthermore, the Ontario government is in direct violation of Article 26 and Article 29 of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) which was signed by the Canadian government in 2010 .

We call on Trent University to publicly and promptly make a statement regarding Bill 5 and its impacts on Indigenous students, the local Michi Sagiig community, and Trent students in environmental fields.

Furthermore, We call on the MPP of Peterborough, Dave Smith, to publicly apologise for voting in favour of Bill 5, and provide his constituents with an explanation as to why he voted in favour of the Bill. Additionally, We call on the municipality of Peterborough/Nogojiwanong to stand in solidarity with Indigenous nations across Canada who will be impacted by Bill 5.

The Trent University Native Association and The Trent University Central Student Association call the Provincial and Federal Government to action in:

The immediate rescinding of Bill 5 and Bill C-5.

Both Bills were passed with little to no input from elected Indigenous leadership, creating policy that allows for the unregulated use of land without prior assessment from Indigenous Land Stewards or Environmental professionals, thus causing an unprecedented amount of control over lands.
Moreover, The Federal Government, and the Provincial Government of Ontario, are in direct violation of Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982, making the passing of Bill 5 and Bill C-5 an unlawful action

2. Dave Smith’s, the Member of Provincial Parliament for the Peterborough - Kawartha riding, immediate advocation for the rescinding of Bill 5, in conjunction with:

An acknowledgement of Ontario’s violation of Articles 26 and 29 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
A public apology for voting in favour of Bill 5 in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

3. Emma Harrison, the Member of Parliament in the House of Commons of Canada representing the riding of Peterborough, ON, immediate advocation for the rescinding of Bill C-5, in conjunction with:

An acknowledgement of Canada’s violation of Articles 26 and 29 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
A public apology for voting in favour of Bill C-5 within the House of Commons of Canada.

4. Maintaining partnerships with Indigenous communities while creating and passing Bills that are in relation to Land usages. Whereas the necessary steps are

A commitment to upholding Indigenous rights as stated in the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous people.
A commitment to upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

Yours in solidarity,

Trent University Native Association Trent Central Student Association