Statement On The Tragedy In Haiti

On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations Executive, I offer my sympathy and support to the people of Haiti who have been afflicted by a terrible tragedy. Our prayers are with the peoples of the island, especially the children whose families have been devastated by the earthquake that took many lives, injured many more, and left the country in need of help from around the world.Although many of our own people live well below the poverty line, are homeless and in need of clean water and our support, we can offer our prayers to those in Haiti who live in similar conditions, and share a similar legacy of colonialism.

For those among us who are able to provide donations or assistance, we know it will be greatly appreciated. I personally witnessed a similar tragedy in 2004, when I led a delegation in Indonesia to assist in rebuilding Indigenous communities after the tsunami and learned how even small donations can go a long way to help during troubled times.

Red Cross relief efforts can be supported by making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow or by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111.

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo