Sol Mamakwa nominated as the Ontario NDP candidate in Kiiwetinoong

SIOUX LOOKOUT — New Democrats in Kiiwetinoong came together to nominate Sol Mamakwa to be the Ontario NDP candidate for the next provincial election.

Mamakwa has represented Kiiwetinoong since 2018 and currently serves as the Deputy Leader of the Ontario NDP.

“It is an honour to represent Kiiwetinoong at Queen’s Park,” said Mamakwa. “Together, we have made history: from standing up with northerners and First Nations across the province to deliver better access to government services, safety, health care, seniors care, and more, to holding the Province accountable for their harmful and unfair policies, to being able to speak our languages in the legislature. It’s time we had a government that is on your side. I am proud to stand with Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP to build the future that our community and our province deserves.”

“Sol is one of the most important voices we have at Queen’s Park,” said Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP leader. “He has worked tirelessly to bring people together both in the legislature and out in the community to fight for change that will impact generations. Thanks to his commitment Indigenous languages were finally allowed to be spoken in the House along with English and French. Sol made history as the first person to ever speak Anishininiimowin in the chambers. From being the voice of those who have been overlooked for generations because of colonial atrocities to bringing the province to the table to deliver essential services for his community, Sol’s work and leadership has been exemplary. I am proud to have Sol on my team as we work to build a better, and brighter future for our province.”

QUICK FACTS:

• Mamakwa has pushed the dialogue forward on crucially important issues, including the need to make the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples a part of Ontario law, to ensure that all First Nations have clean drinking water, to recognize Indigeneity and colonialism as Indigenous Determinants of Health, and most recently, to establish a statutory Day of Reflection on Indian Residential Schools.
• As a result of his continued pressure, Indigenous languages were finally allowed to be spoken in the House, along with French and English. Despite the barriers he faces, he continues to champion the importance of speaking Anishininiimowin and became the first person to officially speak an Indigenous language in the Chamber on May 28.
• Mamakwa has advocated for key infrastructure and services in his riding. He’s been a strong voice in advocating for the badly needed 76 long-term care beds in Sioux Lookout, which this government first promised prior to their election in 2018. He received a recommitment to this on May 28, and just last month, the government finally announced the first tangible step to getting these beds built.
• He is a strong voice for the individuals from Kiiwetinoong and beyond who have survived colonial atrocities committed by and through government institutions. Specifically, survivors of Indian Residential Schools and of the crimes of Ralph Rowe. Through his social media and documentary style videos, he provides a platform for people to share their stories, to show others their struggles as well as their journeys toward healing.