(September 13, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) — Today, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is marking the anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly 17 years ago on September 13, 2007.
“The UN Declaration was a major step forward in recognizing and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “This achievement was made possible through sustained and dedicated advocacy by First Nations leaders, particularly Dr. Wilton Littlechild. Today, we honour their commitment and leadership.”
The UN Declaration established a framework of minimum standards, including the need for free, prior and informed consent on all matters impacting our Treaty and inherent rights, title and jurisdiction. Legislation to enact the UN Declaration in Canada, titled United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA), received Royal Assent in 2021. However, concerted efforts are still needed to strengthen the implementation of the UN Declaration.
“We recognize the progress made towards affirming the rights of First Nations, including through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the creation of an Action Plan to advance the implementation of the Declaration. However, significant gaps remain between the rights affirmed in the UN Declaration and the lived realities of First Nation peoples. It is crucial that we act urgently to address chronic underfunding for First Nations and uphold First Nations self-determination as affirmed in the Declaration.”
At the AFN Annual General Assembly in July 2024, First Nations-in-Assembly passed Resolution 33/2024, Advancing First Nations Rights through Sustainable Funding: Implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The resolution calls on all federal departments to co-develop sufficient, predictable, and sustainable funding models for First Nations and their representative governments and institutions to participate meaningfully and effectively in the implementation of the Declaration through the UNDA.
“Our focus will remain on holding governments accountable to ensure progress towards implementing the UN Declaration is achieved,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “This requires federal and provincial governments to work collaboratively with First Nations at every stage to achieve the minimum standards for First Nations rights enshrined in the UN Declaration.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information please contact:
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(343) 573-2229 (mobile)
[email protected]
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
[email protected]