Canada Endorses the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

13 Nov. 2010

The Government of Canada today formally endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in a manner fully consistent with Canada''s Constitution and laws. Canada''s Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. John McNee, met with the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Joseph Deiss, to advise him of Canada''s official endorsement of the United Nations Declaration.

"We understand and respect the importance of this United Nations Declaration to Indigenous peoples in Canada and worldwide," said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians. "Canada has endorsed the Declaration to further reconcile and strengthen our relationship with Aboriginal peoples in Canada."

"Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples," said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs. "Canada''s active involvement abroad, coupled with its productive partnership with Aboriginal Canadians, is having a real impact in advancing indigenous rights at home and abroad."

The United Nations Declaration describes the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples. It sets out a number of principles that should guide harmonious and cooperative relationships between Indigenous peoples and States, such as equality, partnership, good faith and mutual respect. Canada strongly supports these principles and believes that they are consistent with the Government''s approach to working with Aboriginal peoples. While the Declaration is not legally binding, endorsing it as an important aspirational document is a significant step forward in strengthening relations with Aboriginal peoples.

"Canada''s Aboriginal leadership has spoken with passion on the importance of endorsing the Declaration. Today''s announcement represents another important milestone on the road to respect and co-operation," added Minister Duncan.
Canada''s endorsement builds upon numerous other government initiatives for Aboriginal peoples on education, economic development, housing, child and family services, access to safe drinking water, and the extension of human rights protection and matrimonial real property protection to First Nations on reserve.

Please also see:

Canada''s Statement of Support (http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ap/ia/dcl/stmt-eng..asp)

The Backgrounder (http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/mr/nr/s-d2010/23429bk-eng.asp)

Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ap/ia/dcl/faq-eng.asp)

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations
819-953-1160
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
Minister's Office
Michelle-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
819-997-0002