AFN and NAN present First Nation case at UN Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues
AFN Press release
AFN National Chief Atleo to Present at the United Nations Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues: Advancing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and Around the World
OTTAWA, May 17 - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo will be participating tomorrow at the meeting of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) during the afternoon session focusing on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP). National Chief Atleo will make recommendations to the Permanent Forum on what needs to be done to advance the Declaration in Canada as well as at the international level. The National Chief will also give his support to all other UN agencies that already use the Declaration as the tool to advance Indigenous rights and interests and, more generally, to advance Indigenous political, economic, social and cultural needs and entitlements.
"Canada just elected a new majority government. The four year mandate creates the opportunity to work together on a clear plan that will implement the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," said the National Chief. "The UN Declaration compels us to work in partnership and respect to give life to our inherent Indigenous rights and Treaties. This will unlock the full potential of First Nations peoples and build a stronger Canada for everyone. We fully expect the government to work with us to turn Canada's endorsement into action."
On November 12 2010, Canada reversed its opposition to the UNDRIP. First Nations seek Canada's commitment to work with First Nations on a plan to implement the standards set out in the Declaration, which speak to reconciliation as the imperative for Indigenous and State relations.
This is the tenth session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, a forum established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in July 2000. The Forum provides expert advice and recommendations on Indigenous issues to the UN system through the Council; raises awareness and promotes the integration and coordination of relevant activities within the UN system; and disseminates information on Indigenous issues. This year's Forum will focus on the implementation of Forum recommendations on economic and social development, the environment and free, prior and informed consent.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN and National Chief Atleo on Twitter @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms and @NCAtleo.
For further information:
Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401 or jyoung[at]afn.ca
Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer (613) 241-6789, ext 382 or agaron[at]afn.ca
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NAN Press release
NAN to Attend United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
5/16/2011
Thunder Bay, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy accompanied by other NAN representatives including NAN youth delegates this week will attend the 2011 10th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York City, New York.
The annual two-week UNPFII begins today and focuses on three key areas: economic and social development, the environment, and the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous peoples pertaining to matters affecting their homelands.
NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy will continue to strengthen relationships with other Indigenous peoples and organizations, and gain knowledge as to how Indigenous groups in other areas of the world are exercising their traditional and territorial rights as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as endorsed by the Government of Canada.
NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy also plans to meet with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to discuss issues regarding the protection of NAN First Nations traditional territory as it relates to the NAN Chiefs opposition to the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement. The discussion will also focus on the Government of Ontario’s Far North Act, Forest Tenure Modernization Act and Mining Act – all of which have been opposed by NAN Chiefs-in-Assembly as they were unilaterally announced, and have passed through the legislative process without adequate consultation and the free, prior and informed consent of NAN First Nations.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty No. 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty No. 5 – an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario.
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For more information please contact Amy Harris, Director of Communications – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625-4906 or (807) 252-2806 mobile or by email aharris@nan.on.ca