Messages from Indigenous leadership

“‘Aaanin / Boozhoo’,

As National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), I am honoured to advocate for the rights, interests, and priorities of First Nations, as directed by First Nations-in-Assembly, and ensure their voices are heard and respected on matters affecting their Nations. The Department of Justice’s Annual progress report on implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, provides an important opportunity to assess the Government’s progress and plan to enable First Nations jurisdiction and self-determination.

The UNDA represents decades worth of First Nations-led advocacy that has resulted in federal legislation that provides direction on how together, we can ensure alignment with all 46 articles of the UN Declaration. We lift up those provinces such as British Columbia and the Northwest Territories who are in the process of implementing similar legislation. First Nations also call on all provinces and territories to work with First Nations in accelerating the recognition of this important human rights framework.

While this annual report highlights important advancements made by Canada, First Nations and their governments continue to face barriers to designing, implementing, and evaluating alternatives to Canada’s current laws, policies and regulations that do not affirm our inherent and treaty rights, title, and jurisdiction. This is the important work we must accelerate together.

Implementing the UN Declaration cannot be achieved by the Department of Justice alone. There is an ongoing need for enhanced coordination between federal departments, along with transparent plans and commitments for whole-of-government approaches to addressing priorities that transcend the limits of any one federal department. The AFN looks forward to continuing to support First Nations as they advance this work with Canada.

Chi-meegwetch”,

Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief
Assembly of First Nations

"This year’s progress report highlights the urgent need to accelerate work on defining the meaning and application of the "consultation and cooperation" standard, as well as the need to develop a formal mechanism for systematically implementing section 5 of the U.N. Declaration Act. Much of the impact of the U.N. Declaration Act hinges on our ability to make progress in these areas. At the same time, only an independent human rights commission and tribunal can effectively monitor and enforce implementation of our human rights. ITK looks forward to prioritizing work with federal officials on these critical areas."

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed

“I want to acknowledge the important work that has been ongoing with UNDA and the Action Plan and offer support and optimism for the future based on this year’s annual report. The Métis National Council, alongside Métis Governments, have worked hard to implement the Action Plan and will continue to work with federal partners to ensure that UNDA and the Action Plan, through consultation and cooperation, becomes more consistent in its application and usage across the federal government. We need to continue to move forward quickly and diligently to gain a shared understanding of consultation and cooperation and ensure a consistent whole of government approach for Canada’s obligations under UNDA and the Action Plan. An Indigenous Human Rights Tribunal, as described in APM 19, is a necessary accountability mechanism. Appropriate consultation and cooperation on such a tribunal need to begin immediately, at the stage of conceptualization, for a truly co-developed, distinctions-based mechanism to be put into place.”

President Caron, Métis National Council

“The Cree Nation Government has worked tirelessly for over four decades on the Declaration in the United Nations system to affirm the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Canada has now affirmed the rights in the Declaration as a part of Canada’s positive law meaning laws and regulations current and future must comply with those rights. It is important moving forward with the National Action Plan Indigenous governments with nation-to-nation relationships work collaboratively and cooperatively with Canada to realize these rights for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.”

Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, Cree Nation Government

“The Manitoba Métis Federation - National Government of the Red River Métis - looks forward to partnering with Canada to protect and advance the rights, interests, and claims of Red River Métis through the implementation of the UNDA.

The soon to be introduced promised modern-day treaty, together with UNDA, will provide the guiding principles and framework for our Government-to-Government relationship with Canada and renew the broken constitutional promises from the Manitoba Act, 1870.

Accompanied by a distinct Red River Métis Action Plan, UNDA is an important step toward reconciliation and advancing our relationship with Canada. Its implementation must be carried out in good faith, fully and completely.”

President Chartrand, Manitoba Métis Federation - National Government of the Red River Métis

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