Canada urged to pass UN Indigenous Declaration on second anniversary

First Nations and Quebec Native women urge passage of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigneous Peoples, on the second anniversary

From the press release below; “The AFN is going to lead the effort to implement the United Nations Declaration through our work here at home and abroad. First Nations are going to put its principles into practice. The AFN is going to support First Nations in implementing our sacred treaties and our constitutionally protected title and rights using clear standards, such as those set out in the Declaration.” From the Open letter [attached in English and French]: ‘If these words [of apology] were truly sincere, then the Government of Canada should have already endorsed the Declaration and thus contributed to improve their relationship with Indigenous peoples.”

Assembly of First Nations Marks Second Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
OTTAWA, Sept. 11 /CNW Telbec/ - September 13. 2009 marks the second anniversary of the passing of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Canada was one of only four countries in the world to vote against the UN Declaration, and continues to oppose it.
September 13 is a landmark day for the world’s Indigenous peoples, but a black mark on Canada’s international reputation, “ Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo stated. “The AFN is going to lead the effort to implement the United Nations Declaration through our work here at home and abroad. First Nations are going to put its principles into practice. The AFN is going to support First Nations in implementing our sacred treaties and our constitutionally protected title and rights using clear standards, such as those set out in the Declaration.”
The National Chief stated that, in addition to domestic work the AFN will work with its counterparts at the National Congress of American Indians, with the international community and at the United Nations itself to give life to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The AFN Quebec-Labrador region has been a leader in pressing Canada to support the UN Declaration. The AFN Regional Chief for Quebec-Labrador, Ghislain Picard, stated: “The majority of recommendations at Canada’s Universal Periodic Review on its human rights record were directly related to the treatment of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. This clearly indicates the need for Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The adoption of this UN Declaration would give the message that Canada is serious about bringing to an end its colonial and assimilations policies and practices.
The Declaration could provide us with a basis from which a new relationship could be built on mutual recognition, mutual respect and lead us away from the current state of extreme poverty and dependency resulting from legislation and policies that are anchored in colonialism.” Regional Chief Picard is also inviting First Nations and all Canadians to sign a petition asking the Canadian government to sign a petition asking the Canadian government to endorse the UN Declaration. The petition can be found online at http://www.apnql-afnql.com/.
There is high support for the UN Declaration nationally and internationally. In 2008, 100 legal scholars and experts signed an Open Letter calling on the Government of Canada to “… cease publicizing its misleading claims and, together with Indigenous peoples, actively implement this new human rights instrument.” In April, the Government of Australia reversed its position and now supports the Declaration.
National Chief Atleo stated: “It is time to move forward with the Declaration in all that we do. It is a statement of the principles that should guide our relationship, and it is a way to measure our progress. It is time that we all embrace these principles and act on these principles.”

-30- /For further information: Alain Garon, Communications Officer, AFNQL, (418) 842-5020 (418) 842-5020, Cell (418) 956-5720 (418) 956-5720; Robert Simpson, (778) 991-1407 (778) 991-1407; ChantelleKrish, (778) 990-9544/

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Open Letter - Second Anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Kahnawake, September 13, 2009 - Today, we celebrate the second anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was passed by an overwhelming majority of states voting in favour at the United Nations General Assembly. September 13, 2007 was a historic day for Indigenous peoples around the world, a day when Indigenous populations were recognized as peoples, and in America, it was the day where 500 years of history was finally recognized for what they is; 500 years of colonization, racism and oppression.
You will find a video with Ellen Gabriel, President of Quebec Native Women, Paul Joffe, International Lawyer, and Béatrice Vaugrante, Director of Amnesty International Canada francophone section, presenting the arguments for Canada to endorse the UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights at the following address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yESU099HUs Quebec Native Women is also a member of the Quebec Coalition on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which is sending a joint press release as well as a letter asking the Quebec National Assembly to implement the UN Declaration.
You will find them herewith enclosed. For more info, please contact :Aurélie Arnaud____________Responsable des Communications / Communications OfficersFemmes Autochtones du Québec / Quebec Native WomenTel.: 450 632 0088 450 632 0088, #227http://www.faq-qnw.org/ ________________________ Shé:kon - Bonjour -

Hello Yesterday, the hard working team at Quebec Native Women made a video to celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the UNDRIPThis evening the video was uploaded on YouTube The video includes Paul Joffe, International Lawyer, and Béatrice Vaugrante, Director of Amnestie Internationale Canada - francophone section and myself for Quebec Native Women. the discussion centers around why Canada and its citizens should endorse and embrace the essence of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. You can find it at the following address:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yESU099HUs

Quebec Native Women is also a member of the Quebec Coalition on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which is sending a joint press release as well as a letter asking the Quebec National Assembly to support the UN DRIP. Happy 2nd Anniversary to the UNDRIP - much work remains but there is so much hope! Niá:wen Ellen­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­________________________