International

Statement by Chief Edward John, Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PDF Version)

Five years ago on this important day, 13 September, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly after more than two decades of intense struggles.

From the moment the UN Declaration was adopted, it became a unique international instrument that set standards and the foundation for the continued survival of indigenous peoples, the protection of their rights, dignity and well-being.  The UN Declaration is an international human rights instrument that, today, enjoys universal consensus. It is the same instrument that underpins the activities of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Today we also need to extend our deep gratitude to the many committed representatives of indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations, Governments and the United Nations whose passion and dedication lead to the adoption of the UN Declaration.

With the adoption of the UN Declaration five years ago, the Permanent Forum has new and extensive responsibilities to promote the incorporation of the UN Declaration into national law and policy, including national courts and administrative decisions.  Second, it calls upon the Forum to follow up on the “effectiveness” of the Declaration – that is to examine and assess the realities on the ground, to see how the Declaration is implemented at the local and national levels and what gaps in implementation persist.

Even as indigenous peoples commemorate this historic moment, there is still a lot of work to be done. We cannot ignore the challenges and gaps in implementation of the UN Declaration, and I call on Governments, UN agencies and indigenous peoples to reaffirm the spirit, principles and rights enshrined in the UN Declaration and to renew our commitment to its full implementation.

Five years ago on this important day, 13 September, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly after more than two decades of intense struggles.

Dakelh Territory, Prince George, British Columbia. Canada. Today marks the 5th year anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration).  The CSTC is in full support of First Nations in Canada to demand that the federal government work with us to fully implement the UN Declaration, without limitations.

Tribal Chief Terry Teegee stated, “In 2010 Canada finally endorsed the UN Declaration, but our First Nations have not seen any changes to how the Crown upholds its honor in protecting First Nations rights and title.”  Teegee continued, “Projects require the free, prior and informed consent from First Nations before they are approved.  The Northern Gateway project is a prime example of how the federal government is not living up to the UN Declaration.”  First Nations need to provide full consent prior to projects being approved, and processes such as the Joint Review Panel need to be developed in partnership with First Nations.  Otherwise these processes are meaningless and do not live up to First Nations expectations and laws. 

The Harper government needs to show environmental stewardship and leadership.  “Canada has lost its moral authority around the world for how it treats First Nations peoples,” stated Vice Tribal Chief Dolly Abraham. She continued, “Our lands are not for sale. Our waters that sustain all life a under threat from industry and climate change.  The UN Declaration is not an aspirational document.  It is an international standard that supports our indigenous laws of environmental stewardship and decision-making.  Canadians should be calling their MLAs to tell them to implement the UN Declaration with First Nations.”

Several of the CSTC First Nations, such as the Nadleh Whut’en, are developing policies that are based on their traditional laws, and seek to show how the UN Declaration can be implemented.  Chief Martin Louie of the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation and Yinka Dene Alliance said, “The UN Declaration is very important because it supports our traditional laws and outlines an international standard for human rights. Canadians need to understand that Canada was built on colonial policies of genocide. First Nations people are recovering and rebuilding our nations and cultures.  We have an opportunity to show the world how we can spend the next seven generations healing our relationships with each other and with the land.”

“The UN Declaration needs to be supported by BC and local governments. Implementation will impact how decisions are made in our territories and over many jurisdictions”, noted Tribal Chief Teegee. He concluded, “The CSTC will continue to support the implementation of the UN Declaration, and we acknowledge all the work that went into its creation.  But, now the heavy lifting begins to ensure that our human rights are protected, and that everyone benefits from having just and equitable laws and decision-making processes with First Nations in Canada and BC.”

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For further information contact:
Tribal Chief Terry Teegee, RPF: 250-562-6279; Cell 250-640-3256
Vice Tribal Chief Dolly Abraham: 250-562-6279
Chief Martin Louie, Nadleh Whut’en First Nation: (250) 570-7759

PDF Version

Nadleh Whut'en First Nation – Fraser Lake, BC, Canada – The Nadleh Whut'en First Nation council would like to inform the citizens of Canada, the provincial and federal governments, as well as third-parties conducting business or interested in conducting business within our territory that we are developing and implementing a suite of policies consistent with supporting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the 'UN Declaration'). These policies will be created from our traditional laws and jurisdiction that we have never given up.  We are seeking to improve the standard of living for our peoples as well as ensuring that future generations benefit from our ancestors teachings.

The Nadleh Whut'en territory is located in north central interior of the lands now known as British Columbia (BC), and our main community is located on the eastern shores of Nadleh Bunket (Fraser Lake).  Our people have lived here since time immemorial and we have never surrendered by force or agreement our rights to our lands, resources or culture.  Canadians and the world need to know the stories of our history – and that we continue to govern our lands according to our laws –  in order to understand how we can reach reconciliation and a path forward for future generations.  “We will tell the world our story on our terms, with dignity and respect,” said Chief Martin Louie. “Never again will we have to explain to visitors about our ownership to our homeland, and our children will never again be taken away from us and feel ashamed of being Dakelh, or Yinka Dene.  We are people of the land, and it is land and resources that we need to protect for current and future generations.”

The Nadleh Whut'en people of the Carrier (Dakelh) Nation have followed our ancestors’ guidance since time immemorial.  The UN Declaration is consistent with and supports our traditional laws, and as such outlines worthy principles to support and implement as we negotiate agreements and reconcile our rights.  The UN Declaration contains international human rights standards which Canada has endorsed, demonstrating Canada's support for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world (article 43). The Canadian Constitution (Section 35, Constitution Act, 1982) guarantees that our rights and title must be recognized and respected; the Canadian courts have also supported First Nations rights and jurisdiction to their lands, resources and governance.  The UN Declaration contains forty-six (46) articles that affirms our inherent rights as Indigenous peoples, and provides a framework for justice and reconciliation now and into the future, applying existing human rights standards to the specific cultural and social circumstances of First Nations peoples.

Government (federal, provincial and municipal) and third parties that have interests in our territory will be notified about these new policies as they are developed and publically released.  Adequate financial support must be provided for us to engage and review proposals that impact our territory.  The Nadleh Whut'en First Nation is not against development but it must be done in ways that respect our traditional laws of the land. 

www.nadleh.ca (available in early August 2012)
For more information contact Chief Martin Louie at 4dakelh@nadleh.ca or 250-570-7759.

Nadleh Whut'en First Nation – Fraser Lake, BC, Canada – The Nadleh Whut'en First Nation council would like to inform the citizens of Canada, the provincial and federal governments, as well as third-parties conducting business or interested in conducting business within our territory that we are developing and implementing a suite of policies consistent with supporting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the 'UN Declaration'). These policies will be created from our traditional laws and jurisdiction that we have never given up.  We are seeking to improve the standard of living for our peoples as well as ensuring that future generations benefit from our ancestors teachings.