Quebec native affairs minister criticized for using term 'Indian time' | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Quebec native affairs minister criticized for using term 'Indian time'

Original Publication Date October 06, 2016 - 1:25 PM

QUEBEC - A joke by Quebec's native affairs minister stereotyping indigenous peoples' concept of time did not go down well with at least one Cree official Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference announcing a new bill recognizing indigenous customs related to adopting children, Geoffrey Kelley mused about the fact it took eight years to complete.

"We have finally introduced this bill," he told reporters. "In certain circles, some make comments on the notion of 'Indian time', but 'government time' is at times also something that leaves much to be desired."

A few minutes after the joke, Cree health spokeswoman Bella Moses Petawabano corrected Kelley.

"I just want to say a few words about Indian time," she told the news conference. "That the true meaning of Indian time is really getting things done before the expected time. That is a true meaning and I don't know who changed it along the way."

A reporter pounced on Kelley's comments and asked whether he had been clumsy to use such a term at a news conference.

"No, no, it was a joke," he replied. "But honestly, I want to say it takes time, because these are complex questions."

The new legislation, known as Bill 113, amends Quebec's Civil Code and Youth Protection Act with regard to the adoption process in Quebec.

It includes official recognition — when it's in the interest of the child — of the rights and obligations between an adopted aboriginal child and his or her parent of origin.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2016
The Canadian Press

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