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Canada urged to sign up to UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights

OTTAWA, April 3 /CNW Telbec/ – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine ……………………

 "I congratulate and commend the Australian government, Prime Minister
Kevin Rudd and the people of Australia for showing real leadership in endorsing
the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," National
Chief Fontaine said. "First Nations call on the Canadian government to follow
Australia's lead.................Under the previous Howard government, Australia had opposed the UN
Declaration and was one of only four countries in the world to vote against it
at the United Nations. The other three were Canada, the United States and New
Zealand. There are indications that President Obama may reverse the United
States' position and sign-on to the Declaration.
    "Canada is increasingly marginalized and isolated on the international
stage because of its opposition to the UN Declaration," the National Chief
stated......................Adopting the UN Declaration is the next logical step towards creating a
comprehensive plan that will affirm our rightful place in Canada, give life to
our rights and our Treaties, and give substance to the government's Apology
and promise of reconciliation made on June 11th of last year. This was a
promise not only to First Nations, but to all Canadians. It is time for Canada
to move forward and join the international community in endorsing the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples."

CNW Group | ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS | AFN National Chief Encouraged by Australian Government’s Support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Urges Canada to Endorse the Declaration: “It is Never Too Late to Do the Right Thing”

April 6, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Canada, indigenous issues