First Nations leaders say Quebec has ignored their pleas to be exempt from Bill 96 – CBC

May 10, 2022

Bill 96 ‘puts another burden’ on Indigenous communities working to revitalize languages, leaders say

Quebec says it won’t change Bill 96 to exempt Indigenous youth from having to take extra French courses in CEGEP, despite mounting calls from First Nations leaders who say their efforts to rebuild their languages and cultures are in jeopardy.

Kahnawake Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer — who held a news conference at the National Assembly Tuesday alongside Chief Ghislain Picard of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador and Gesgapegiag First Nation Chief John Martin — said her community would hold protest actions until it felt heard.

“Any gesture of goodwill right now on behalf of the government will go a long way,” Sky-Deer told reporters.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/bill-96-quebec-refuses-exemption-indigenous-students-1.6448254