An historic first in the Ontario Legislature.

Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa made a speech in Oji-Cree.

Through a translator, Mamakawa says it’s important he can speak his language.

“In speaking in Anishininiimowin Indigenous language, that’s where my life comes from,” Mamakwa address MPP in the Ontario Legislature Tuesday morning.

“As I speak my language, I feel secure and well in our land, when we speak own language.  It’s like we’re one with the land.”

Mamakwa points out that the people he represents thought the day would never come.

“We had a leader, Frank Beardy from Muskrat Dam, that was told they would never permit an Indigenous language to be spoken in the provincial legislature.  But today, it’s allowed.  It’s an historical event.”

Mamakwa also asked the first Question in Question Period in Oji-Cree and demanded to know when the government was going to do as promised six years ago, and build 76 long term care beds in Sioux Lookout.