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AFN press release 

National Chief comments on Indian Affairs Minister's press conference at the United Nations

     OTTAWA, May 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine issued the following statement today regarding Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl's justification of the minority Conservative federal government's opposition to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and his government's characterization of the gains made for First Nations under the Conservative agenda during his recent trip to the United Nations in New York City.

     "The Conservative government's sustained opposition to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has tarnished Canada's international reputation and branded Canada as unreliable and uncooperative in international human rights processes. It is clear that the Conservative government's domestic political agenda is taking precedence over the promotion and protection of human rights for Indigenous peoples in Canada and worldwide. The federal government's stance is a particularly regressive and limiting basis upon which to advance fruitful Indigenous-state relations in Canada and abroad. It seems that this government has been unwavering in their resolve for a weak Declaration and weak human-rights standards in Canada despite their rhetoric to the contrary."

     "The Conservative government's opinion regarding the UN Declaration is contrary to widespread legal expert opinion. In an open letter issued yesterday, more than 100 legal scholars and experts noted that there was no sound legal reason that would prevent Canada from supporting the UN Declaration. The same conclusion was drawn by human rights and legal experts from around the world at an international symposium on the UN Declaration held in February in Vancouver by the AFN. Leading officials and experts within the UN system have echoed the same opinion. As a result, Canada is becoming increasingly isolated on the international stage for adhering to an unsubstantiated position against the Declaration and for using their position on the Human Rights Council to achieve their own political goals in Canada.

Canada cannot cherry-pick which international human rights instruments they will choose to respect. These short-sighted decisions have serious long term implications for Canada's international standing on human rights."

     "Moreover, the Conservative government's decisions have failed to address fundamental fiscal inequities in education, housing, health and other social and economic conditions that are the source of the poverty in First Nations communities, despite this government's claims "about getting the job done".

The National Day of Action on May 29 will draw national and international attention on the shortcomings of the federal government to make meaningful investments or address the serious quality of life issues our communities and people face. Such important policy decisions must be made in consultation and with the consent of First Nations."

     "The UN Declaration is a foundational document that sets out "the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples" (Article 43). With an overwhelming majority of 144 states and only 11 abstentions, the UN General Assembly adopted on September 13, 2007 a Declaration which upholds the human, political, spiritual, land and resources rights of the world's Indigenous people. Only Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United States voted against the Declaration. Australia has since reversed its decision and has declared its support of this unique human rights instrument to advance Indigenous rights in Australia and abroad."

     "I urge the federal government to abide by the will of First Nations, the will of the United Nations General Assembly, the will of Canadians, and the will Parliament, and implement the principles and standards in the Declaration, as adopted by the House of Commons on April 8, 2008. The motion to support implementation of the Declaration in Canada was passed by a majority of sitting Members of Parliament. The majority of MPs who voted for the implementation of the Declaration, represent the majority of Canadians.

First Nations and all Canadians deserve respect for their popular will and the fundamental principles of representative democracy."

     The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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/For further information: Joan McEwen, Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789, ext. 242, cell: (613) 324-3329, jmcewen@afn.ca/

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Great Success for Quebec First Nations' Delegation at the UN - "Canada has lost all credibility" - Ghislain Picard

NEW YORK, NY, May 2 - At the end of the 7th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard, gives it top marks. He says he is extremely satisfied of the outcome resulting from the participation of an important delegation of Quebec First Nations representatives. "By increasing our interventions and meetings, we have been able to give a clear picture of First Nations' situation in Canada. Today, the Canadian Government has lost all credibility in this respect on the international scene", Chief Picard declared.

Even a whirlwind visit of the Minister of Indian Affairs, Chuck Strahl, did not help the Conservative government convince international media, and even less other delegations to the UN, of its goodwill. "It is obvious that after 500 years, colonialism is still alive and thriving in Canada", stated the Chief of the AFNQL to the UN. Chief Picard harshly criticized the Canadian government's attitude, especially its refusal to support the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Ghislain Picard also proposed that the next session of the Permanent Forum deal with the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which a strong majority of the members of the United Nations General Assembly adopted, but the government of Canada voted against. "Indigenous peoples have rights. It is high time they are recognized and complied with."

Apart from Ghislain Picard, Grand Chief Eva Ottawa (Conseil de la Nation atikamekw), Grand Chief Lucien Wabanonik (Tribal Council of the Anishinabeg Algonquin Nation) and Chief Jean-Charles Piétacho (Conseil des Innus de Ekuanitshit) also appeared before this UN Forum. These Chiefs put the emphasis on the colonial context of the Canadian system towards First Nations, denouncing in particular the provisions of the Indian Act and other tools permitting discrimination. They also insisted on Quebec's responsibility and denounced the attitude of the Quebec government, especially with regard to land management and exploitation of natural resources, which are carried out without taking First Nations' Aboriginal rights into account. "Taking back control of our affairs is a critical factor in ensuring a future for our youth. We must establish a real partnership with the states regarding the management of natural resources, an honourable solution. We must obtain the means needed: territories, resources and self-determination" asserted Chief Piétacho.

Le peuple invisible

One of the highlights of the week was undoubtedly the screening of "Le peuple invisible", a documentary produced and distributed by the NFB. Over a hundred people, including the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights, Rodolpho Stavenhagen, and several members of the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum, attended this special screening. Filmmaker Richard Desjardins also attended the screening and answered questions from the audience.

In regards to the Permanent Forum

The Social and Economic Council (ECOSOC) created the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in July 2000. Its goals are to provide advice to the United Nations on Indigenous issues and raise public awareness on said issues. It is made up of 16 independent experts who sit on it in a personal capacity.

In regards to the AFNQL

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the regional organization that represents the Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.

For further information: Alain Garon, Information and Communications Officer, AFNQL, (418) 842-5020, Cell.: (418) 956-5720