Manitoba parents want changes to allow traditional Indigenous names on birth certificates
A new bill brought forward by Manitoba’s NDP would allow parents to give their children traditional Indigenous names.
Ian Bushie, the NDP’s Indigenous Affairs critic, brought forward the bill, which would make changes to Vital Statistics to allow traditional Indigenous names.
“I believe this is important, because naming you child is an important part of the family process,” he said. “And, in the spirit of reconciliation, I believe this is the right thing to do.”
Currently, Vital Statistics Canada is limited to letters A through Z, with English and French accents.
“I believe the system we have now is currently outdated right now,” Bushie said.
Carson Robinson and Zaagaate Jock, two new parents, joined Bushie at the announcement, saying their newborn daughter’s traditional Mohawk name, Atetsenhtsén:we, cannot be registered on a birth certificate.
Robinson said his daughter’s name means “forever healing medicine” in the Mohawk language.
“We want to be able to name our baby how we see fit in our traditional ways of living,” Robinson said.
The family said they are also meeting with Vital Statistics about their situation.
In a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson for Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer said the province is already accepting traditional Indigenous names that use characters not included in the Vital Statistics Act because “it’s the right thing to do.”
“The act will be amended in due time to include characters not currently included,” the spokesperson said. “However, this issue is significant and emotional for parents and for families, so we need to get it right. We will broadly consult various Indigenous groups and others before bringing forward vital statistics legislation that will reflect the interests of all Manitobans.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.