PEITN Land Sovereignty solidarity statement
On this, Sir John A MacDonald Day, PEI TN staff and Board affirm our solidarity with Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (so-called Canada). This includes our ongoing support of Indigenous communities worldwide in their fight for land sovereignty.
Today, PEI TN Staff and the Board reflect on the history of global campaigns of organized, systemic settler colonialism, as well as cultural genocides and anti-immigrant bills that continue to pass in this country and beyond.
Prime Minister John A. Macdonald played a crucial role in establishing the Indian Act which created the Canadian Indian residential school system. In 1879, Macdonald commissioned the Davin Report, which advocated for a system of industrial boarding schools to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. To which attendance became mandatory in 1894. This led to significant and ongoing cultural disruption, loss, and trauma for Indigenous communities. John A. Macdonald's policies laid the foundation for a system that has had a devastating impact on Indigenous peoples in so-called Canada today.
As non-indigenous settlers, living on stolen land, we inherit a history of racism, genocide, and oppression that we acknowledge has had wide-spread, long-lasting impact on Indigenous peoples. We understand the importance, now more than ever, of questioning how we have benefited from systems that oppress one group for another's gain. We see how colonial attitudes have been infused in Canadian policy and practice. It is our responsibility to confront the ways in which colonial legacies shape historical and ongoing genocides, oppression, occupation, and campaigns of persecution both in so-called Canada and globally.
As we continue to witness the genocide and oppression of the Palestinian people, whose land has been stolen by the zionist, colonial project “Israel,” we at PEI TN affirm our solidarity with Palestine in their fight for justice and call for an end to their violent oppression and persecution.
“From Palestine to Turtle Island, there is no justice on stolen land ”
We also re-affirm our commitments to Anti-Oppression, Community-Building, Sustainability, Accessibility and Radical Love. As an organization, we have a responsibility to be intentional about how we support communities impacted by genocide, oppression, occupations, and organized campaigns of persecution.
In recent years, we have taken small steps to confront colonial teachings and elevate the voices and realities of marginalized communities in Epekwitk, Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Tigray, and beyond.
We partner, participate in, and support local and national grassroots efforts such as protests, rallies, letter writing campaigns, petition signing, and postering.
We engage with our political representatives to hold them accountable for their inaction on Turtle Island and globally.
We begin every program and event with a Land Back statement, recognizing this foundational step is the minimum required to honor Indigenous land sovereignty and nationhood.
Staff and board have the space and opportunity to share openly about their thoughts, feelings, and concerns regarding human rights abuses happening at home and globally. They are welcome to share information, petitions or other actions that we can participate in.
Staff and board members are made aware of all local Indigenous-led events, protests, and rallies and are given paid time to attend.
We share events, workshops and educational information from local Mik’maq organizations and advocacy groups with our community and followers.
During the 2025 Pride parade, we ensured the Two-Spirit, Palestinian, Sudanese, and Congolese flags were present to signal visible solidarity with global resistance efforts.
We pledge to continue to build on these actions to recognize, reconcile, and root out racism, colonialism, xenophobia, transphobia, queerphobia, and prejudice in our work and communities.
We know there is no reconciliation without first acknowledging the truth. Reconciliation is a life-long process of learning and growing that focuses on recognizing the importance of relationship, reciprocity, and respect for Indigenous Peoples and their ways of knowing and being. This month, PEI TN begins our consultation to build a Reconciliation Action Plan that outlines the steps and actions our organization will take to support the land back efforts of the Mi’kmaq here on Epekwitk. This plan will establish the necessary foundation for integrating cultural competence and awareness into our organizational policies and practices, thereby aligning our work with a higher standard of accountability. If you are interested in participating in this work, you can stay updated through our social media channels (Facebook & Instagram) or newsletter.
Now more than ever, the PEI TN Staff and Board urge our community to take a stand against systemic oppression through immediate action and ongoing education. We must act in solidarity with victims of genocide—at home and abroad—while confronting the urgent challenge of Reconciliation with unwavering resolve.
In Solidarity,
PEI TN Board & Staff
What We Can All Do RIGHT NOW!
Sign the No More Loopholes Petition (closes Jan 21)
Join the Arms Embargo Now movement
Put your money where your mouth is: Boycott, Divestment, Sanction
Our “Canada” includes immigrants and refugees - Support the We’re Better Together Campaign
Find out where your MP stands on these issues. Gather others in your riding and request a meeting.
Educational Resources
Book: Decolonization and Me (Available through the PEI Public Library)
Local Advocacy Organizations, Groups & Initiatives
PEI 4 Palestine - Facebook | Instagram | Contact List Sign-Up | Linktree