Dene National Chief condemns Ukraine invasion; calls for Indigenous people to be included in peace talks

(Photo courtesy of Jonathan Antoine)

Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine says he condemns the Russian attacks on Ukraine.

“We stand with the Ukrainian government and the Indigenous Peoples in Ukraine in their heroic efforts to resist this assault on their fundamental rights and freedoms,” he said.

Chief Antoine also called for the Indigenous people of Ukraine to be included in negotiations and peace talks.

One of the largest Indigenous groups of Ukraine are the Crimean Tatars. The vast majority of Crimean Tatars live on the Crimean Peninsula, which was taken by Russia in 2014.

“We encourage Dene, First Nations, Indigenous peoples and all Canadians to keep the people of Ukraine in their hearts and minds during the difficult days ahead,” said Chief Antoine.