We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation
Why “In Progress?”
Mar. 30, 2023: Northwest Territories introduced a bill to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane says a new act about Indigenous rights “gives teeth” to laws requiring the territorial government to consult with Indigenous groups.
Mar. 30, 2022 – BC Government releases “United Nations Action Plan 2022-2027” with 89 Calls to Actions across four themes.
June 21, 2021 – Bill C-15 – An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act receives Royal Assent and becomes law. Developed with Indigenous Peoples, this Act creates a legislative framework to implement the Declaration in Canada. It requires the Government of Canada, in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, to develop an action plan to achieve the Declaration’s objectives and take all measures necessary to align federal laws with the Declaration. The action plan, which must be developed in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples in two years, will include measures to:
- address injustices, combat prejudice and eliminate all forms of violence, racism and discrimination against Indigenous Peoples
- promote mutual respect and understanding, as well as good relations, including through human rights education
- ensure Canada is held accountable on progress through regular reporting and oversight
Only BC and the Northwest Territories have made legislative commitments to develop and implement UNDRIP legislation. Ontario and Quebec have backtracked on their original commitments. BC passed Bill 41 “The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act” on Nov. 28, 2019 when it received Royal Assent and became law.
Dec. 1, 2020: Government of Canada introduced Bill C-15 “An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” for First Reading in the House Commons over the strong objections of the provincial governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and New Brunswick.
Current Status
In Progress
Call to Action
last updated
February 02, 2024
Latest Updates
Govt. Commitment to UNDRIP
Proposed Land Act Amendments are Next Step in Implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
NationTalk: (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and s əlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is concerned about recent reactions to the Province of……
February 2, 2024
Court Cases
QUEBEC COURT FINDS UNDRIP BINDING AND A UNIVERSAL ABORIGINAL RIGHT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
– Arend J.A. Hoekstra, Aaron Cressman, Shermaine Chua ABORIGINAL NationTalk: Cassels, Our Insights – On November 1, 2023, the Quebec Superior Court (Court) released R. c. Montour, which considered……
November 27, 2023
Govt. Commitment to UNDRIP
New report details B.C.’s progress in implementing objectives of UN Indigenous rights declaration
NationTalk: Law360 Canada – British Columbia has released a report which provides detailed information about progress achieved on implementing the objectives of the United Nations Declaration……
July 10, 2023
Govt. Commitment to UNDRIP
N.W.T. introduces bill to implement UNDRIP
Getting the bill before MLAs was three years in the making and N.W.T. leaders say it’s just the start N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane introduced a……
March 30, 2023
Govt. Commitment to UNDRIP
Vancouver City Council Passes Historic UNDRIP Strategy
Today, October 25, 2022, Vancouver City Council passed the City of Vancouver’s United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Strategy, as recommended……
October 25, 2022
Govt. Commitment to UNDRIP
New guidance on legislation supports Indigenous rights
NationTalk: VICTORIA – New guidance for the B.C. government from the Declaration Act Secretariat provides best practices for working with Indigenous Peoples on the development……
October 24, 2022
Govt. Commitment to UNDRIP
Vancouver’s UNDRIP strategy with First Nations first of its kind in Canada
Squamish Nation council chairperson Khelsilem, who also is co-chair of UNDRIP task force.Photo Mike Howell Vancouver city council is days away from voting on an……
October 20, 2022
Govt. Commitment to UNDRIP
Vancouver task force on Indigenous rights releases report for city council
APTN National News: The Squamish Nation victory song rang out in Vancouver as chiefs, leaders from the community and representatives from city hall gathered to……
October 19, 2022
Council of the Federation
AFN Calls For First Ministers Meeting on UNDRIP at Council of The Federation
Assembly of First Nations: BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee issued the following statement after a meeting with provincial and territorial premiers today in advance of……
July 11, 2022
Govt. Commitment to UNDRIP
Tahltan Central Government and BC sign first consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration Act
NationTalk: VICTORIA – Tahltan Central Government and the Province have entered into the first consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous……
June 6, 2022
Actions and Commitments
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Council of the Federation
The Council of the Federation, established in 2003, enables Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial leaders to work collaboratively and strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among provinces and territories and with the federal government.