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The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Professor James Anaya, will carry out an official visit to Canada from 12 to 20 October 2013. The aim of the Special Rapporteur's visit to Canada is to examine the human rights situation of the indigenous peoples of the country. During the visit, the Special Rapporteur will hold meetings and consultations with government officials, as well as with indigenous nations and their representatives in various locations.

The Special Rapporteur is currently developing his agenda to visit locations throughout Canada. Further information and updates about the agenda of the Special Rapporteur, including opportunities to participate in consultations, will be made public on the website of the Special Rapporteur as it becomes available: www.unsr.jamesanaya.org. Please check that website periodically for updates.

The Special Rapporteur invites indigenous peoples and organizations, and other interested parties, to send information relevant to the visit to Canada or any other aspect of the mandate to:indigenous@ohchr.org. Please be aware that, due to the large volume of invitations and information submitted, the Special Rapporteur may not be able to respond individually to each request.

The findings from the Special Rapporteur's visit will be reflected in a preliminary report that will be submitted to Canada for its comments and consideration. A final version of the report will be circulated publicly and presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The report will include recommendations to Canada, indigenous governing bodies and, possibly, other interested parties on how to address issues of ongoing concern to indigenous peoples.