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The Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies (CASHRA) is calling on all levels of government across Canada to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Declaration is a positive document that maps out a path for Indigenous peoples to be free from discrimination and secure in their identities and life choices. It recognizes the fundamental rights of Indigenous peoples around the world, and outlines minimum standards for their survival, dignity and wellbeing.
“Implementing the standards in the Declaration would foster stronger relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and promote Reconciliation across Canada,” says Barbara Hall, Chairperson of CASHRA. “Together with Indigenous peoples, we need to increase people’s awareness and understanding of the Declaration and to develop an understanding of how the principles of this document can be implemented.”
Canada formally endorsed the Declaration in November of 2010, however some provinces and territories have not followed suit. CASHRA is also calling on these provinces and territories to formally endorse the Declaration.
September 2012 will mark five years since the United Nations acted on almost 30 years of advocacy by Indigenous Peoples around the world and adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.