Summary:
- The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 2025 National Forum on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) was held on February 4–5, 2025, on the unceded and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
- The forum brought together First Nations leaders, Elders, legal experts, youth, and government representatives to assess the implementation of the UNDA and ensure federal alignment with the minimum standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration).
- Key priorities identified by participants included revitalizing Indigenous legal systems, economic self-determination, support for youth and 2SLGBTQQIA+ leadership, land restitution, and full transparency and accountability in how Canada upholds its obligations under the Act.
- The full 2025 UNDA Forum Summary Report is available on the AFN website.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 2025 National Forum on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) was held on February 4–5, 2025, on the unceded and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The forum focused on the implementation of the UNDA and featured ceremonies, panel discussions, plenary sessions, and concurrent breakout sessions over two days.
The Forum brought together First Nations leaders, Elders, legal experts, youth, and federal representatives to assess the federal government’s implementation of the UNDA and its alignment with the minimum standards of the UN Declaration. Key priorities identified by participants included revitalizing Indigenous legal systems, advancing economic self-determination, supporting youth and 2SLGBTQQIA+ leadership, land restitution, and ensuring full transparency and accountability across departments.
Over the two days, attendees explored a range of topics, from citizenship and nation-building to specific Action Plan Measures (APMs) and offered direct feedback on the 2023–28 UNDA National Action Plan. Presenters included Dr. Wilton Littlechild, Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot, and Kenneth Deer on the significance of the Declaration as a First Nations-led affirmation of rights.
Forum Highlights
The forum highlighted both the progress First Nations have made and the structural challenges that remain. Participants emphasized the long history of First Nations advocating internationally for recognition of their rights and called for the implementation of Treaties in accordance with their true spirit and intent.
Discussions reinforced that self-determination, including self-government and spiritual connection to land, is central to advancing First Nations priorities. There was strong support for governance systems grounded in Indigenous values and laws, and for using the UN Declaration as a framework to support this work. Participants stressed the urgency of Indigenous-led implementation, including revitalizing First Nations legal systems and embedding culture and language into governance, programs, and services. Concerns were raised about inadequate consultation on APMs and federal legislation, pointing to the need for independent oversight and accountability.
Economic independence was also a key theme, with calls for revenue-sharing, access to capital, and support for Indigenous enterprises in areas like tourism, fisheries, and renewable energy. There was also strong emphasis on building capacity, especially for youth and 2SLGBTQQIA+ leadership. Participants agreed that implementation must be supported by clear timelines, adequate funding, and a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.
Next Steps
The AFN has been mandated to advance work on the implementation of the UNDA through Resolution 77/2023, Call for Canada to Consult on All Amendments Pursuant to the UNDRIP Act, , among other resolutions.
The AFN will use the outcomes of the forum and its summary report to guide further advocacy and support First Nations in holding governments accountable to their commitments under the UNDA.
The full 2025 National Forum on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) is available to read in full on the AFN website. For media inquiries, contact Genna Benson, AFN Director of Communications, at [email protected].