From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n On May 28, 2019, in Ottawa, Minister Ahmed Hussen introduced Bill C-99, a legislative amendment aimed at altering the Oath of Citizenship to acknowledge the rights of Indigenous peoples.<\/p>\n Minister Hussen’s introduction of Bill C-99 represents Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and fostering a new relationship with Indigenous communities. This change aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and underscores the importance of recognizing rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.<\/p>\n The revised Oath includes references to Canada’s Constitution and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and M\u00e9tis peoples:<\/p>\n \u201cI swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and M\u00e9tis peoples<\/strong>, and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n The Oath of Citizenship is a pivotal step in becoming a Canadian, symbolizing a pledge to uphold Canada’s laws and contribute to its values and traditions.<\/p>\n \u201cThe change to the Oath is an important step on our path to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada. It will encourage new Canadians to learn about Indigenous peoples and their history.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cThe Truth and Reconciliation Commission\u2019s Calls to Action are a roadmap for all sectors to ensure Indigenous inclusion in building a stronger Canada. The Oath change addresses Call to Action No. 94, emphasizing Indigenous rights as essential to Canada\u2019s character.\u201d – The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cReconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and M\u00e9tis is a Canadian issue, requiring partnerships at all levels. Today, we are enhancing this partnership by proposing all Canadians acknowledge Indigenous rights in the Oath.\u201d – The Honourable Seamus O\u2019Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n “I welcome the legislation to amend the Oath to reflect Canada\u2019s inclusive history, as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Understanding the history of First Nations, M\u00e9tis, and Inuit is vital to being Canadian.\u201d – The Honourable Murray Sinclair, Senator<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Contacts for media only<\/strong><\/p>\n Mathieu Genest<\/strong> Media Relations<\/strong> The change aims to acknowledge and respect the rights of Indigenous peoples, aligning with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission\u2019s Calls to Action.<\/p>\n It includes a pledge to respect the Constitution and the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and M\u00e9tis peoples.<\/p>\n New Canadians are encouraged to learn about Indigenous history and rights, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for Canada’s diverse cultural fabric.<\/p>\n Extensive consultations were held with national Indigenous organizations to ensure the amendment reflects their rights and interests.<\/p>\n Section 35 acknowledges and protects the rights of Indigenous peoples, including cultural practices, hunting, fishing, and self-government rights.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" May 28, 2019 \u2013 Ottawa \u2013 The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today introduced Bill C-99, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, to change Canada\u2019s Oath of Citizenship to include clear reference to the rights of Indigenous peoples. … <\/i>Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5437,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-immigration"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5439"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5439\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5437"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}News Release<\/h2>\n
Recognizing Indigenous Rights in the Oath<\/h2>\n
Commitment to Reconciliation<\/h3>\n
New Oath Language<\/h3>\n
Quotes<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Quick Facts<\/h2>\n
\n
Related Products<\/h2>\n
\n
Associated Links<\/h2>\n
\n
Contacts<\/h2>\n
Minister\u2019s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064<\/p>\n
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca<\/a><\/p>\nFAQs<\/h2>\n
Why is the Oath of Citizenship being changed?<\/h3>\n
What does the new Oath of Citizenship include?<\/h3>\n
How does this change impact new Canadians?<\/h3>\n
Who was consulted for the Oath amendment?<\/h3>\n
What role does Section 35 of the Constitution play?<\/h3>\n