B.C. Liberal MLA Mike Morris is taking flak for comments he made on funding for Indigenous language revitalization.
Morris, while criticizing the NDP budget in the legislature Monday, said the $50 million dollar commitment to First Nations languages would be better spent on more policing.
Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee, whose national portfolio with the AFN includes justice, says it shouldn’t be an either/or discussion. While he says policing and justice are issues in First Nations communities, there is a race against time to save endangered Indigenous languages before they die out.
The BC First Nations Summit calls the comments from Morris insensitive and says they show a complete lack of understanding.
It says language is the essence of Indigenous cultures and fundamental to survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples.