AFN National Chief Calls Senate’s Rejection of Indian Residential Schools Denialism in Hate Speech Bill Regressive, Disappointing and a Setback for Reconciliation

September 2, 2026

(June 5, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak today denounced the move by the Senate of Canada to reject an amendment to Bill C-9, often referred to as the Hate Crimes Bill, that would have included Indian Residential School denialism as an offense.

“The move by the Senate to reject this amendment is regressive and a setback for survivors and for reconciliation,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Indian Residential School denialism is a hate crime and must be treated as a hate crime. There has always been wilful, ignorant denialism, but we now face a growing, organized movement of denialists trying to rewrite Canada’s history. We need to push back on these offensive lies and stand up for the truth. We lift up Senator Karetak-Lindell for her amendment and all Senators who supported it, but we’re deeply disappointed in their colleagues who rejected truth and justice.”

Read more on AFN.ca