No colonialism - only in Canada, you say

The Assembly of First Nations takes umbrage at Prime Minister Stephen Harper's proud affirmation at the G20 in Pittsburgh, Canada has "no history of colonialism."

Based on their own history, the Assembly disagrees and argues the PMO's statement Harper's remark was "taken out of context" is not good enough. Assembly National Chief Shawn Atleo says:

The effects of colonialism remain today.  It is the attitude that fueled the residential schools; the colonial Indian Act that displaces traditional forms of First Nations governance; the theft of Indian lands and forced relocations of First Nations communities; the criminalization and suppression of First Nations languages and cultural practices; the chronic under-funding of First Nations communities and programs; and the denial of Treaty and Aboriginal rights, even though they are recognized in Canada’s Constitution.

Internationally, Canada has been scrutinized and harshly criticized for its treatment of Indigenous peoples and failure to respect Aboriginal and Treaty rights.  Canada is increasingly isolated as one of only three nations in the world that has refused to sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a document that rejects the doctrine of colonialism.

It's tough to see how the PM's remarks were taken out-of-context. But you can judge for yourself.