OTTAWA, Oct. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National
Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo commented today on the conclusion of the
visit to Canada by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights
of Indigenous Peoples James Anaya, calling on Canada to give serious
consideration to the Special Rapporteur's pending report and
recommendations.
"I acknowledge Special Rapporteur James Anaya's time and efforts in
listening carefully to the Indigenous peoples in this country, visiting
First Nations communities and witnessing firsthand the challenges
facing our people and governments," said AFN National Chief Shawn
Atleo. "First Nations are now looking forward to the Special
Rapporteur's report and recommendations. There is still much unfinished
business and longstanding issues between First Nations and Canada that
burden our relationship and hold all of us back. This is a critical
moment and it is our hope that the Special Rapporteur's report will
help compel action. First Nations are willing and ready for the hard
work. It must start now. This must be the era of action."
The UN Special Rapporteur was in Canada from October 7-15, describing
the purpose of his visit as "…looking at the issues faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in
Canada, including in relation to matters of reconciliation, governance
and self-government; lands and resources; and health, education and
economic development." During his visit, the Special Rapporteur traveled to six provinces and
visited a number of First Nations communities to meet directly with
First Nations citizens. The Special Rapporteur will deliver a report
to the UN Human Rights Council in February 2014.
AFN's principal role was to encourage and help facilitate as many direct
engagements with First Nations as possible throughout the Special
Rapporteur's visit. While supporting all First Nations in advancing
their priorities, the AFN also advanced three areas for action:
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Canada must work with First Nations to develop processes and principles
to implement the Honour of the Crown as guided by the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
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Canada must clearly recognize First Nations governments and support
rebuilding of our Nations.
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The need for new mechanisms - including fundamental changes to the
machinery of government - to reflect and fulfill the nation-to-nation
relationship between First Nations and Canada.
National Chief Atleo called on Canada to give serious considerations to
the Special Rapporteur's report and recommendations: "The Special
Rapporteur has reflected on the crisis our people are experiencing and
the urgency to address these matters. This affirmation is a call to
action to all Canadians, to all governments and to all First Nations
peoples. Notwithstanding our diversity, the Special Rapporteur
reflected that which our Elders remind us: there is more in common
amongst us. First Nations continue to seek full respect, recognition
and implementation of our inherent rights, Treaties and title, and
meaningful engagement on all matters including any activities that
affect our lands, our lives and traditional territories."
The UN Special Rapporteur is willing to continue receiving written
submissions. For more information see: http://unsr.jamesanaya.org/
The UN Special Rapporteur's report will inform discussions at the United
Nations World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, a high-level plenary
meeting of the UN General Assembly which will take place September
22-23, 2014 in New York City. This will be another opportunity to
highlight the situation facing First Nations in Canada and the action
required to move forward.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing
First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms,
@AFN_Updates.
SOURCE Assembly of First Nations
Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca
Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca
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