home | news l

First Nations set to implement UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

19 February 2008 - Assembley of First Nations - Today First Nations leaders are gathering for a two-day symposium in Vancouver where they will consult representatives from the United Nations about how the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples can be implemented in Canada. AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine says First Nations are set to implement the UN Declaration.

"We are looking forward to hearing from international experts on how we can move forward and implement the UN declaration in Canada," said National Chief Phil Fontaine. "We believe, and the international community agrees, the UN Declaration will benefit First Nations, Canada, and the world by setting minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of all Indigenous peoples."

"The UN Declaration is a valuable instrument that can be used to create opportunities for new and improved relationships between indigenous peoples and States in North America and throughout the world," said Grand Chief Edward John, a member of the First Nations Summit political executive and First Nations Leadership Council. "Through forums and discussions such as this, First Nations in Canada can come together to strategize on how to use this valuable instrument towards the betterment of our people and how we can continue to put pressure on Canada to follow Australia's lead and abandon its colonial policies in support of the full implementation of the UN Declaration".

Highlights of the first day will include:

- 9:15 am - Opening remarks by First Nations leaders.
- 12:30 pm - Media availability with AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine and Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nation Summit and First Nations leadership Council.
- 2:00 p.m. - An international panel, including experts from the United Nations, will advise First Nations about using the UN's human right's mechanisms to promote the Declaration. The panel includes: Victoria
Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Connie Taracena, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations, Claire Charters, Senior Lecturer, Victoria University of Wellington; Tonya Gonella Frichner, North America representative, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and Les Malezer, Spokesperson, National Aboriginal Alliance of Australia.

The UN Declaration passed last fall, with only Canada, New Zealand, the United States and Australia dissenting. Canada's opposition came after more than two decades of involvement in the drafting of the Declaration. Since
then, all opposition parties in Canada have urged the federal government to support the Declaration. Meanwhile, the Labour Party, newly-elected as the government in Australia, made a campaign promise to support the Declaration.

The two-day event is open to all media. The full agenda is available online at: www.afn.ca

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

Source: Assembly of First Nations

Further information: human rights issues page - includes news index and external links

|| click to go to the top of this page