AFN marks 7th anniversary of UNDRIP: Giving life to the Declaration will move all of Canada forward
September 12, 2014
AFN Marks 7th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: “Giving Life to the Declaration Will Move All of Canada Forward”
(Ottawa, ON) – On Saturday September 13, 2014, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will mark the 7th Anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UDRIP) by the UN General Assembly. Indigenous leaders across Canada have been consistently advocating for the federal government to uphold and implement the principles of the UN Declaration which Canada officially endorsed in November 2010.
“The UN Declaration calls on states to work in mutual partnership and respect with Indigenous peoples to address harm and inequalities and support and promote their rights, their cultures and governments,” said National Chief Picard. “The principles of the UN Declaration are a guide and framework for First Nations, the federal government and all Canadians to work together in ways that respect and implement Aboriginal and Treaty rights in the relationship between First Nations and Canada. Right now, the struggles and victories of First Nations to enforce their rights, Treaties and title are the defining issue of our age. Giving life to the Declaration will move all of Canada forward.”
September 13 marks seven years since the UN General Assembly adopted the UNDRIP, and November 12 will mark four years since Canada endorsed this universal human rights instrument that was drafted with states and rights-holders: Indigenous peoples around the globe.
National Chief Picard added: “First Nations in Canada continue to have their rights and opportunities denied or limited by legislation and a wilful lack of recognition. The UN Declaration, like the Treaties and other agreements, must be respected and upheld by Canada. We will be relentless in our push for the full implementation of our Treaties and rights, an effective nation-to-nation relationship with the Crown and engagement in the decisions that impact our lives and territories. This was how we agreed to live together and share this land and we will reach out to all Canadians to join us on our journey to respect, recognition and partnership.”
The National Chief and other AFN representatives will participate in the upcoming World Conference on Indigenous Peoples taking place at the United Nations headquarters from September 22-23. The AFN and First Nations will press for full recognition of Indigenous rights at the World Conference and will continue to advocate and pressure Canada to work with First Nations to honour its responsibilities and implement First Nations rights.
The full text of the UN Declaration can be found at: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.