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Two AFN Press Releases on this gathering ... 

Legal experts question Canada's arguments against the UN Declaration

VANCOUVER, Feb. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, on the second day of the symposium Implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples a panel of international law experts will discuss Canada's stance on the UN Declaration. "The Declaration and Canadian Law" panel begins at 9:15 a.m.

The panel will critique the federal government's recent campaigns against the UN Declaration, in Canada and abroad, including arguments that: the Declaration does not address individual rights, threatens the rights of non-native citizens, and is inconsistent with Canada's constitution. The panel is also expected to comment on how Canada's actions regarding the Declaration have impacted its international reputation and relationships.

"We believe that Canadians are fair-minded people who care deeply about human rights and that they do not want their government to pick and choose when they will apply and respect human rights. Canada has made a commitment to uphold the highest human rights standards in international and domestic law.

We remind Canadians that it is not too late for the federal government to reverse its opposition to the UN Declaration, as Australia has promised to do," said National Chief Phil Fontaine. "We expect the legal panel will agree with other legal advisors and international experts by reaffirming that the UN Declaration is consistent with the rights guaranteed under section 35 of Canada's constitution and all other domestic laws and international human rights laws."

Canada was actively involved in the drafting of the UN Declaration for 20 years, but in 2006, after the election of a new government, it suddenly changed its position and began actively opposing the historic document. The government's opposition included a media campaign against the Declaration, lobbying other states to oppose the Declaration, and demanding amendments to provisions that Canada had previously helped draft.

"This week's symposium should be a signal to Canada that the adoption of the UN Declaration was not an ending but a new beginning. This gathering is an example of the work underway by indigenous peoples to ensure that the UN Declaration is recognized and implemented as the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well being of the Indigenous peoples of the world", said Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit and First Nations Leadership Council. "Canada's opposition to the UN Declaration has proven to be nothing less than an international disgrace. In fact, Amnesty International recently commented that Canada's position as a global human rights champion may be slipping due to its opposition to the human rights of Indigenous peoples. It is time for Canada to recognize its error and prove its concern for human rights by supporting the UN Declaration."

The Declaration was adopted by the United Nations in September, 2007 despite opposition from Canada. Since then all opposition parties in Canada have urged the federal government to change its position and support the Declaration. The symposium Implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a chance for First Nations leaders to learn how they can move ahead on implementing the Declaration in Canada.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples addresses both individual and collective rights, cultural rights and identity, rights to education, health, employment, language, and others. It outlaws discrimination against Indigenous peoples and promotes their full participation in all matters that concern them. It also ensures their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own visions of economic, social and cultural development.

The two-day event is open to all media. The full agenda is available online at: www.afn.ca . Today AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine and Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit and First Nations Leadership Council will be available to media at 12:30 p.m..

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/For further information: Karyn Pugliese, AFN Communications, (613) 292-1877, kpugliese@afn.ca; Colin Braker, Communications Director, First Nations Summit, cell: (604) 328-4094, CBraker@fns.bc.ca/

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First Nations implementation of the UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples

VANCOUVER, Feb. 18 - First Nations leaders and international experts will examine ways First Nations can implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People at a two-day symposium entitled: "Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world." The symposium will allow First Nations to examine ways they can move ahead with the UN Declaration in Canada.

The UN Declaration was adopted by the United Nations in September, 2007 despite opposition from Canada, New Zealand, the United States and Australia. Since then, the Labour Party, newly-elected as the government in Australia, made a campaign promise to support the Declaration. Likewise, all opposition parties in Canada have urged the federal government to change its position and support the Declaration. Canada was actively involved in developing the UN Declaration for twenty years, but suddenly shifted its position, and began opposing the Declaration in 2006, after the election of a new government.

Highlights of the conference will include:

• Feb. 19th - 9:15 am: Opening remarks
   
• Feb. 19th and 20th - 12:30 pm: Media availability with AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine and Grand Chief Edward John of the First of the Nations Summit and First Nations Leadership Council.
   
• Feb. 19th - 2:00 pm: Indigenous Peoples, the Declaration and the United Nations. Experts from the UN discuss how United Nations human rights mechanisms can be used to promote the Declaration.
   
• February 20th - 9:15 am: The Declaration and Canadian Law. International law experts analyze Canada's recent arguments against the declaration and actions in international bodies.

The two-day event is open to all media. The full agenda is available online at: www.afn.ca

When: February 19-20 2008 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
Where: Chief Joe Mathias Centre, 100 Capilano Road, North Vancouver BC
Who: Co-hosted by the British Columbia First Nations Leadership Council and the AFN

For further information: Karyn Pugliese, AFN Communications, cell: (613) 293-6106, kpugliese@afn.ca;. Colin Braker, Communications Director, First Nations Summit, cell: (604) 328-4094, CBraker@fns.bc.ca.