Hawaii Senate Bill SCR197

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Engrossed: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/15/25
• Passed: 5/2/25

Caption

Recognizing June 21, 2025, As Indigenous People's Day, July 1, 2025, As Canada Day, And September 30, 2025, As Truth And Reconciliation Day, In Acknowledgement Of The Enduring Friendship Between The People Of Canada And Hawaii, The Independent Sovereignty And Self-determination Of The People Of Canada, And A Commitment To Never Again Allow The Sovereign Right Of A People To Self Determination To Be Taken Against Their Will.

Impact

The resolution seeks not only to commemorate specific dates but also to lay a foundation for ongoing discussions about sovereignty and the rights of indigenous populations. It positions Hawaii as a partner in addressing historical wrongs and reaffirms a commitment towards advancing and preserving indigenous cultures and rights. Furthermore, it encourages participation from leaders of indigenous and First Nations communities in Canada and invites collaborative dialogues between Hawaii and Canada, fostering international relations grounded in mutual respect and acknowledgment of past grievances.

Summary

SCR197 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizing significant dates in Canadian history, specifically June 21, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples' Day, July 1, 2025, as Canada Day, and September 30, 2025, as Truth and Reconciliation Day. The resolution aims to acknowledge and celebrate the strong, historical friendship between the people of Canada and Hawaii. It emphasizes the importance of self-determination for indigenous peoples and reflects on the historical injustices faced by both Hawaii and Canada due to colonization and other oppressive practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR197 is overwhelmingly positive, largely due to its emphasis on reconciliation and recognition of indigenous rights. It casts Hawaii in a progressive light by advocating for the acknowledgment of past injustices and showing solidarity with Canada’s commitment to its indigenous peoples. Supporters of the bill view the resolution as a critical step in building bridges between two diverse cultures that have faced similar adversities throughout their histories, reinforcing a shared commitment to prevent such injustices from repeating in the future.

Contention

Despite the consensus in favor of the resolution, there may be underlying tensions related to how each community represents its historical narratives. Some members might caution that while such resolutions are vital for acknowledgment, they must translate into concrete actions that genuinely support indigenous rights and promote justice. The resolution also poses a call to action for the respective governments to engage more deeply with indigenous populations and ensure that future legislation is considerate and inclusive of their perspectives and needs.