TORONTO – Newly elected NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) was sworn in with an addition to the formal Oath of Office – a pledge to respect the treaties signed with First Nations. Mamakwa took the oath in Oji-Cree as well as English.
“And, I solemnly affirm that, in the carrying out of my duties, I shall honour and respect the treaties signed with Indigenous Peoples.” Mamakwa pledged in addition to the traditional oath.
“It’s important that we name the treaties, and that we recognize and honour the Crown’s commitments with Indigenous communities – only then can reconciliation happen,” said Mamakwa. “Taking the oath in Oji-Cree was important to me as well – that is my language and the language of many who call Ontario home, and to have it spoken in the chamber was a special moment.”
Mamakwa was inspired by NDP MP Romeo Saganash who recited the same pledge during his swearing-in after the last federal election. At the time Saganash noted that the 94th recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) proposed that the Oath of Canadian Citizenship be modified to include recognition of the treaties with Indigenous Peoples, and drew inspiration from this recommendation.
