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Something to ponder

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is a significant global accord designed to safeguard the dignity, survival, and welfare of Indigenous populations across the globe. UNDRIP, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on September 13, 2007, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards to safeguard the rights of Indigenous peoples. These rights encompass land ownership, cultural preservation, self-governance, and involvement in decision-making processes that impact their lives. Despite receiving enormous support from the international community, Canada has faced significant obstacles and made poor progress in accepting and implementing the UNDRIP.

Canada, along with the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, was one of the four countries that opposed the approval of UNDRIP when it was initially introduced in 2007. The Canadian government at that time expressed apprehensions about the possibility of the statement conflicting with the prevailing Canadian laws and constitutional frameworks, specifically in relation to land rights and resource development. The government contended that several elements of UNDRIP were excessively expansive and had the potential to create legal and economic ambiguities.

Nevertheless, mounting pressure exerted by Indigenous leaders, human rights organizations, and the international community ultimately resulted in a change in Canada’s position. In 2010, Canada officially expressed its endorsement of UNDRIP, although with misgivings, presenting it as an aspirational declaration rather than one that would have an immediate effect on Canadian legislation. This tentative acceptance was perceived as a positive development; however it also signaled the government’s hesitancy to completely adopt the ideas outlined in the proclamation.

An important achievement in Canada’s progress towards conformity with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) occurred when Bill C-15 was introduced in December 2020. The purpose of the bill was to align Canadian laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and provide a structure for the federal government to collaborate with Indigenous peoples in implementing the declaration. Following extensive deliberation, Bill C-15 was approved by the House of Commons in June 2021 and subsequently got Royal Assent, officially establishing it as legislation.

Although the enactment of Bill C-15 was a welcome development, it also underscored the intricate nature of harmonizing Canadian legislation and practices with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The execution of the bill has been sluggish, and there is still considerable ambiguity over its implementation in other sectors, such as natural resource exploitation, land ownership, and self-rule.

The gradual progress of Canada in achieving full conformity with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) has faced disapproval from Indigenous leaders and advocates. A major concern is the lack of substantial action in addressing the structural challenges that Indigenous communities are facing, despite the existence of legislative promises. Land disputes and resource extraction projects frequently proceed without obtaining the complete, prior, and informed permission of Indigenous peoples, which is a fundamental principle stated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The ongoing conflict around pipeline projects, such as the Trans Mountain and Coastal GasLink pipelines, highlights the clear disparity between Canada’s dedication to Indigenous rights and its economic objectives.

In addition, critics contend that the Canadian government’s strategy for implementing UNDRIP has been excessively prudent, prioritizing the prevention of any interference with established legal structures or economic operations. The Indigenous groups, who see UNDRIP as a means to rectify past wrongs and claim their rights over lands, resources, and cultural traditions, are frustrated by this cautious approach.

In order for Canada to fully adhere to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), there needs to be a sincere dedication to implementing significant and far-reaching reforms. This entails not only ensuring that laws and regulations are in accordance with the declaration, but also tackling the underlying factors that contribute to the marginalization of Indigenous communities, such as poverty, limited healthcare and education opportunities, and institutional discrimination. It is imperative for the federal government to establish a strong collaboration with Indigenous peoples to guarantee that their opinions are acknowledged and valued in all matters that impact their livelihoods.

The principle of free, prior, and informed consent is a crucial element of UNDRIP. It mandates that Indigenous peoples have a significant voice in initiatives and policies that affect their lands and resources. In order for Canada to maintain this ideal, there needs to be a transition towards more comprehensive and cooperative decision-making procedures that acknowledge and honor Indigenous sovereignty.

Although Canada has achieved certain advancements in its efforts to achieve compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), there is still a significant amount of work that needs to be accomplished. The enactment of Bill C-15 is a commendable progression; however, it is imperative that tangible measures are taken to effectively tackle the persistent obstacles encountered by Indigenous people. Genuine reconciliation necessitates more than mere symbolic gestures; it necessitates a profound reconsideration of the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples.

As the nation progresses, it is crucial that the principles of UNDRIP are not only acknowledged in legislation but also implemented in the day-to-day operations of governing, managing resources, and formulating social policies. Canada can only achieve justice and fairness for Indigenous peoples and establish a future based on mutual respect and shared prosperity by fully implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Volunteers needed at the Indigenous Health Centre of Tiotià:ke!

You can find the sign-up form here.

Volunteers needed at Projets Autochtones du Québec!

Save the date

In a world where food and the cost of living are increasingly expensive, it may feel ironic to celebrate World Food Day and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. But it may be an occasion to create some local activism and re-think our dependency on greedy corporations.

Food for thought

What would action for UNDRIP look like for you and your community? How could you and your neighbours come together to enact the international rights of Indigenous Peoples?

Resource: Home on Native Land, a ten-week course from Raven

A reminder

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Resources for dedication of Mohawk Bible Many Mohawk Bibles have already been delivered to individuals and communities of faith, with more on their way. The Living into Right Relations Leadership Circle has developed some ideas to help communities of faith dedicate their copies of the Mohawk Bible with respect and gratitude, including liturgical resources, video clips of Harvey Satewas Gabriel reading from the Mohawk Bible and other resources about the significance of this translation.

Download resources: Ohiatonhseratokénti, The Holy Bible in Mohawk (DOC) or (PDF)