Exploring Theme: "Indigenous Responses to Bill C-15"

“This is a major step forward for First Nations and for Canada – this is concrete action, this is history in the making,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde, adding the passing of this federal legislation comes after decades of advocacy by First Nations and indigenous peoples worldwide.  “This legislation to implement the UN Declaration on...

Let us recall that the AFNQL submitted proposed amendments that it deemed reasonable to the various committees in charge of studying Bill C-15, to allow First Nations to have the leverage to engage provincial jurisdictions such as Quebec, which will undoubtedly challenge its legitimacy, if not its application. “In any case, the AFNQL will continue...

 Inuit Tapirit Kanatami released “Submission To The House Of Commons Standing Committee On Indigenous And Northern Affairs On Bill C-15”. In order to remedy identified shortcomings, a bill whose purpose is to implement the UN Declaration in Canada should include the following legislative elements: Legislation should establish an Indigenous Human Rights Commission and/or independent oversight...

The ITK Board of Directors met virtually last week week and passed a resolution to endorse Bill C-15 An Act respecting the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as proposed amendments to strengthen the legislation through the inclusion of an independent oversight and enforcement mechanism as part of an action plan to achieve...

NationTalk – When the Declaration was first brought to a vote at the United Nations, the Harper government tried to block its adoption. The federal government continued to oppose the Declaration for years before finally reversing its position. After Bill C-262 was passed by the House of Commons, a small group of Conservatives used stalling tactics...

Toronto Star (Windpeaker.com) – The Assembly of First Nations Annual General Meeting failed to adopt “Resolution 86/2019 Support for Federal Legislation to Create a Framework to Implement the UN Declaration” A number of objections were raised: too little time allotted in the debate to address the many concerns raised about Bill C-15 Not enough substantive discussions...

Nunatsiaq News – Natan Obed, President of the Inuit Tapariit Kanatami explained to reporters that Inuit representative institutions already enjoy — effectively — the right to free, prior and informed consent. It’s enshrined in constitutionally protected land-claim agreements, and in Inuit impact and benefit agreements with developers. “Canada is already doing it in many ways. So...

 The Cree Nation Government welcomes the tabling of Bill C-15 – The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Bill C-15 provides an essential framework for reconciliation, healing and peace, as well as harmonious and cooperative relations based on the principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and good faith. This...

“The bill tabled today contains key elements that the Assembly of First Nations has long sought to ensure that Canada meets its obligations to respect and implement the UN Declaration,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “The UN Declaration is a crucial tool for addressing systemic racism and closing the gap in quality of life between First Nations and Canadians....

CBC – David Chartrand, national spokesperson for the Métis National Council, said the claim that Indigenous people seeking to be consulted on projects want to kill industry is being used as a “fearmongering” tactic. “This is a blueprint for clarity,” said Chartrand. “This is a better example for industry to know … full well when they’re putting their money...

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami released a position paper today on implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The paper outlines Inuit expectations regarding the federal government’s commitment to implementing the UNDRIP. It describes ITK’s preferred approach to working in partnership with the federal government on implementing the critical human rights norms...