A group of First Nations chiefs are calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to rescind his recent appointment of Charles Adler to the Senate over past comments he made about Indigenous leaders on his radio program.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs released a statement on Monday saying that they were “disappointed by the recent appointment of Charles Adler to the Senate of Canada” over his “grossly offensive language.”
The group said that they were “alarmed” because of Adler’s past comments towards Indigenous people, in particular, when he referred to Indigenous leaders as “uncivilized boneheads.”
“These are not just passing remarks. They were and still are hurtful, but they also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about First Nations now that this is once again being brought to light because of this appointment,” reads the statement.
Adler made the comments back in 1999 during a radio show in Winnipeg, where he also said Indigenous people were “intellectually moribund,” among other comments.
“The appointment of Charles Adler to the Senate is a grave insult to all First Nations in Manitoba and across Canada,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick.
“Senators are supposed to be accomplished Canadians from various professional backgrounds. They introduce bills, propose new laws, suggest amendments to legislation passed by the House of Commons, review public policy and debate issues. His racist comments do not indicate a modicum of respect, equality, and justice that are supposed to guide our society.”
“How can any First Nation feel that his reviews of legislation impacting reserves, treaties, and inherent rights would be even remotely favourable to the original peoples of these lands?”
The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council dismissed a complaint that had been filed against Adler in 2000 over those comments, saying that it was “fair political commentary.”
The council said in its decision at the time that “those who occupy positions of power on the reserves may legitimately be described, on account of the decisions which they make, as ‘boneheads’ or ‘intellectually moribund’ by opinion-holders in the media.”
The decision also noted that if Adler had made such comments about ordinary Indigenous people, then “the attitude of this Council would likely have been different.”
Adler did not respond to True North’s request for comment, however, in a statement released on Tuesday, he said “I’ve reached out to the grand chief and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, to request a face-to-face meeting. I look forward to hearing from them.”
However, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who is himself a First Nations member congratulated Adler on his appointment in a post to X.
“Congratulations to Charles Adler on this appointment. Wishing him all the best in his important role representing Manitoba in the Senate,” it said.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak also criticized the decision, calling it hurtful to see someone like Adler appointed to the Senate.
However, she said that she hopes he will uphold his offer to meet with and learn from communities.
“We have to come to a better way in this country,” said Nepinak. “But at the same time, when things like that happen it sets us back just a little bit.”
Adler’s appointment has not only drawn criticism from Canada’s Indigenous community but also from within Trudeau’s Liberal cabinet as well, like Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal.
“There are many eminently qualified Manitobans who are better suited to represent our province than Charles Adler,” said Vandal in a statement released on Monday.
The Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to True North’s request for comment.
“The AMC calls on the Governor General and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reconsider this appointment and to prioritize individuals who truly represent the values of inclusion, respect, and reconciliation,” reads the AMC statement. “We also urge the public to stand with us in condemning this appointment and to hold our leaders accountable for the decisions they make in shaping our country’s future.”