Bill C-15 “The United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous people” 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

This legislation will complement and inform other initiatives underway across Canada with Indigenous partners to close socio-economic gaps, advance reconciliation and renew relationships based on the affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.

The next step is for the Government of Canada to continue its collaboration with Indigenous partners, on a distinctions-based approach, to understand their priorities for the action plan and to identify measures to align federal laws with the Declaration over time.