Toronto, June 16: Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, the New Democrat MP for Nunavut, used the opportunity to blast Canada as a country built on the oppression of Indigenous People and whose history is “stained with blood” as delivered her official farewell speech to the Parliament (watch it here). She said, “People like me don’t belong here in the federal institution. The reality is that this institution and the country have been created off the backs, trauma and displacement of Indigenous People.”
Nunavut’s MP says feeling ‘extremely isolated’ spurred decision not to run again. The speech from Qaqqaq is in marked contrast to those from 11 other departing MPs, most of who spoke glowingly about the honor of serving Canada. Qaqqaq found nothing honorable about her experience on Parliament Hill since she was first elected in 2019.

“Every time I walk onto House of Commons grounds, speak in these chambers, I am reminded every step of the way I don’t belong here,” she said.

“I have never felt safe or protected in my position, especially within the House of Commons.”

Qaqqaq said security guards on the Hill have jogged after her down hallways, “nearly put their hands on me and racial profiled me.”

The experience has taught her “as a brown woman, do not move too quickly or suddenly, do not raise your voice, do not make a scene, maintain eye contact and don’t hide your hands.”

Qaqqaq said she has heard many “pretty words” about reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, but they have proven to be largely empty. “It would be easier for me to be told that I am wrong and that you disagree than to be told that I am right and I am courageous, but there is no room in your budget for basic, basic human rights that so many others take for granted.”

Pic taken from Mumilaaq Qaqqaq speech to the Parliament