(YELLOWKNIFE) Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Today, a motion was passed in the Legislative Assembly that calls upon the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) to review its policies and practices for racial and cultural bias.

When the 19th Legislative Assembly released its priorities, the second item listed was to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The motion passed today directs the GNWT to review its policies especially as they relate to education, health and social services, justice, housing and government hiring. The motion was moved by Frieda Martselos, MLA Thebacha.

The debate and passing of this motion coincides with a themed day in the Legislative Assembly, where Members agreed to focus their statements and questions on systemic racism to bring public and governmental attention to this issue.

The motion also aligns with priorities set by standing committees.

“This is something we’ve been looking at since the start of our terms as Members of the Legislative Assembly and something we’ve all advocated for in the House,” says Frieda Martselos. “So many courageous residents of the Northwest Territories have been working to bring awareness of the impacts of racism in society—it is now our turn to hold the Government to account on this.”

The GNWT has 120 days to respond to this motion.