Chiefs with the Assembly of First Nations have unanimously passed an emergency resolution calling on the federal government to criminalize Indian Residential School denialism as hate speech.

The resolution was introduced by Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias and seconded by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee during the AFN Annual General Assembly in Ottawa.

It follows the Senate’s rejection of an amendment to Bill C-9 that would have made residential school denialism a criminal offence.

AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak called the Senate’s decision a setback for Survivors and reconciliation.

The resolution also calls for a complaints commission and urges Ottawa to co-develop legislation with First Nations to recognize and address residential school denialism as hate speech.