Law 101 reform: Indigenous groups fear ‘cultural genocide’

The reform of Bill 101 amounts to a “cultural genocide”, believe indigenous groups, who are demanding in particular to be exempted from the three additional French courses in English-speaking Cégeps.

• Read also: Law 96: Indigenous leaders want an exemption

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec – Labrador, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake and the Mi’gmaq Council of Gesgapegiag came to denounce Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette’s Bill 96 on Tuesday at the National Assembly.

They asked the Legault government to exempt their members from this important reform of the Charter of the French language.

Several nations have English as a second language, after their native language, which adds a burden if they have to pass three additional French courses, they argue.

Young people risk leaving to study abroad, depriving the communities of their talents, argued John Martin, Chief of the Mi’gmaq Council of Gesgapegiag.

At his side, the Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, returned to her recent remarks in which she compared the reform to “cultural genocide”. His colleagues did not deny the comparison.

Ms. Sky-Deer recalled the colonial context experienced by the First Nations, including residential schools and attempts at assimilation. Subjecting First Nations to Bill 96 would perpetuate this dynamic, she believes.

QS will vote in favor

The three Aboriginal groups were invited to the National Assembly by Québec solidaire and the Liberal Party of Québec.

While the latter has already announced his intention to vote against Bill 96, QS maintains his support for the reform, despite opposition from Aboriginal groups.

Shortly before entering the Blue Room, the Minister responsible for the French Language wanted to reassure the First Nations: the same exceptions will apply as when Bill 101 was adopted.

Thus, those who have the right to attend English primary and secondary will have to take three French as a second language courses. The others will have to pass three courses of their program in the language of Molière.