Mississaugas of Scugog Island join chorus of criticism against Justin Trudeau’s Tofino vacation

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation released a statement today condemning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s vacation to Tofino, British Columbia on September 30, the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Trudeau’s itinerary initially said he was scheduled for private meetings in Ottawa with First Nation survivors of Canada’s Residential School system.

His itinerary was later updated to reflect his trip. In his first appearance afterwards he said, “Travelling on the 30th was a mistake and I regret it.”

The Prime Minister’s office stressed Trudeau had taken part in a ceremony on September 29. Trudeau also tweeted that he’d spoken to survivors over the phone throughout the day.

The Prime Minister was invited to visit Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation, near Kamloops residential school for a ceremony, but did not attend. He later apologized to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Rosanne Casimir for skipping the meeting.

The Mississaugas’ statement reads in part, “Prime Minister, you have failed Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians by ignoring your role in observing September 30th.”

MSIFN joins many other Indigenous Peoples in condemning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his decision to say he was in meetings in Ottawa – and then go on a holiday on a beach in BC on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Read the full statement below! pic.twitter.com/lkG93ma0dw

— MSIFN – Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (@MSIFN) October 7, 2021