Canadian Statement – Third Committee General Debate on Agenda Item 69 – Rights Of Indigenous Peoples

October 12, 2017

Chair:

As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we are reminded that it is a call to action for all governments. Last year, Canada announced our full support for the Declaration, without qualification.

In the words of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Declaration provides “the necessary principles, norms, and standards for reconciliation to flourish in twenty-first-century Canada”.

In Canada, we are committed to advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples through a renewed relationship based on recognition, rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.

To make sure that our government is meeting its obligations, including international obligations, we are working closely with Indigenous peoples in Canada to better respond to their priorities, to better understand how they see and define self-determination, and to support their work of nation rebuilding. Accordingly, Canada is undertaking a comprehensive review of all federal laws, policies, and operational practices.

The process is guided by ten “Principles respecting the Government of Canada’s Relationship with Indigenous peoples” that were released in July of this year. The first of these principles is the recognition of Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination.

Canada is also committed to advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples globally.

We believe strongly that Indigenous peoples have the right to participate — and to be heard — in decisions that affect them at the global and the local level. The contributions of Indigenous peoples inform and enrich our discussions.

That is why we support the ongoing work of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

At the Organization of American States, Canada supports efforts to include and recognize the perspectives and rights of Indigenous peoples and provides leadership on these issues. And through the Arctic Council, we continue to promote a more strategic approach to Arctic sustainable development and environmental protection.

There are still many steps to take to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Canada will keep building alliances and partnerships as we work to renew relationships with Indigenous peoples at home and abroad.