Canada endorses UN declaration on Indigenous peoples

Canada is now on board with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The federal government has now fully endorsed the declaration in a manner, it says, is consistent with Canada’s Constitution and laws.
“We understand and respect the importance of this United Nations declaration to Indigenous peoples in Canada and worldwide,” said John Duncan, minister of Indian Affairs, Nov. 12.
Duncan said the endorsement is a means to further reconcile and strengthen Canada’s relationship with Aboriginal people.
Shawn Atleo, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, shared a similar statement. He said Canada’s endorsement is a positive development that sets the stage for a new approach for stronger First Nations and a stronger Canada.
“Now is our time to work together towards a new era of fairness and justice for First Nations and a stronger Canada for all Canadians, guided by the Declaration's core principles of respect, partnership and reconciliation,” Atleo said in a press release shortly after the announcement.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy said he was pleased Canada is living up to its obligations, both internationally and nationally.
Although the declaration is not legally binding, Beardy said it contains language that will be useful in discussions involving development in NAN territory.
“We congratulate Canada for taking this important step,” Beardy said.
One of four countries that voted not to adopt the declaration in 2007, Canada said it had concerns with the wording of the document. In its explanation of the vote, Canada said the declaration failed to give clear practical guidelines for member states of the UN.
Since the 2007 vote, New Zealand and Australia have since endorsed the declaration. The United States – the only country now left to not endorse the declaration – is reviewing its decision.
Full text of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Canada's statement of support