TORONTO — On Tuesday, Sol Mamakwa addressed the historical significance of being allowed to speak in Anishininiimowin, known in English as Oji-Cree, in the Ontario Legislature.
Historically, previous governments stood firm on outlawing the use of Indigenous languages through the residential school system, whose curriculum mandated that Indigenous language and culture were to be eradicated.
“I am very grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be able to speak my own Indigenous Oji-Cree language in this legislature," Mamakwa said.
"I am speaking for those that couldn't use their language and also those people from Kiiwetinoong, but not only those from Kiiwetinoong, but for every Indigenous person in Ontario. We know that this is a language that is becoming extinct.
“The language was taken from us by the arrival of the settlers in the colonization and residential schools. The history that has removed the children from our ways of life, sometimes even soap was used to wash their mouths for speaking their language.
"They were punished for speaking their own language. They were given manual labour for speaking in their own language in residential schools,” explained Mamakwa.
In front of his mother, Kezia Mamakwa, who was a guest in the legislature and celebrating her 79th birthday, he stood proud, addressing his colleagues on both sides of the floor and those in the crowd about the importance of revitalizing the language in which previous governments fought so hard to destroy.
“Because of my mom, she taught me and other people, the youth, the children, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren, they need to continue with their First Nations language so that they can speak their own language.
"Everyone that's listening, we need to revitalize our First Nations language. Teach your children to speak their First Nation's language and to be proud of it,” Mamakwa said.
After Mamakwa addressed Queen’s Park, he got straight down to business.
During Question Period, still speaking Oji-Cree, Mamakwa pointed out another longstanding issue in Sioux Lookout.
In 2018, the Ford government promised 76 long-term care beds for Sioux Lookout. However, Mamakwa stated those 76 beds would not be enough to address the 100 beds needed in 2025.
“The lack of new long-term care beds in Sioux Lookout has led to emergency department and hospital beds being used by those who would otherwise be in long-term care.
"Will Ontario ensure the Elders of Kiiwetinoong have access to the care and resources they need and that there will be funding provided to build extended care?” Mamakwa asked.
Minister of Long-Term Care Stan Cho replied by stating the Ford government's capital plan to build 58,000 new long-term care spaces in Ontario.
“I was just in Temiskaming Shores to announce 128 new spaces predominantly for the Indigenous bodies. They're part of a larger plan.
"Eighteen projects associated with First Nations, 997 new [beds], 221 upgraded beds, but we're going to continue to work with that member to make sure we address the needs in Sioux Lookout."
Furthermore, Cho acknowledged the challenges of getting long-term care beds in the North but quickly pointed out his ministry's accomplishments of providing long-term care spaces in Niagara Falls and Toronto.
Premier Doug Ford also stood and addressed Mamakwa’s call for action in Sioux Lookout by stating publicly that he is committed to building a long-term care home in Sioux Lookout.
“I'm committing today in the public. We will be building those beds - we will be building a home with you,” said Ford.
