In conversation with Indigenous Senators in the Senate of Canada
As part of our Reconciliation Conversation online series, we invited some of the Indigenous Senators in the Senate of Canada to talk to us about their lived experiences, their vision for Reconciliation, and their advice for Indigenous and non-Indigenous young Canadians about the path forward.
Senators
SENATOR BRIAN FRANCIS
Province: Prince Edward IslandSenator Brian Francis is the first person of Mi'kmaq descent in Prince Edward Island to serve a role in the senate.
SENATOR PATTI LABOUCANE-BENSON
Province: AlbertaSenator Patti LaBoucane-Benson is a Métis from Treaty 6 territory in Alberta. Her 30-year career has been dedicated to serving her community
SENATOR YVONNE BOYER
Province: OntarioSenator Yvonne Boyer is a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario with her ancestral roots in the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and the Red River.
Former Senator Murray Sinclair
Province: ManitobaThe Honourable Sinclair is Anishinaabe and a member of the Peguis First Nation and served as chairman the Truth & Reconciliation Commission.
SENATOR MARY JANE MCCALLUM
Province: ManitobaDr. Mary Jane McCallum is a First Nations woman of Cree heritage and an advocate for social justice
Background Introduction
An introduction to these 5 amazing Indigenous Senators. They share stories of their upbringing from various communities across Canada, including the challenges and choices they faced as indigenous youth.
Senate Career
The senators discuss their journey to becoming members of the senate and share some of their personal and professional achievements, and current issues they are passionate about tackling.
Truth & Reconciliation
The senators discuss what they feel are the main priorities in the path towards meaningful Reconciliation – both from their positions within the senate, to state, municipal, and local, opportunities and challenges.
Message to Youth
The senators provide messages of hope and guidance to young indigenous and non-ingenious youth as they transition into adulthood.
