First Nations set to implement UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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VANCOUVER, Feb. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Today First Nations leaders are
gathering for a two-day symposium in Vancouver where they will consult
representatives from the United Nations about how the UN Declaration
on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples can be implemented in Canada. AFN
National Chief
Phil Fontaine says First Nations are set to implement the UN
Declaration.
"We are looking forward to hearing from international experts on
how we
can move forward and implement the UN declaration in Canada," said
National
Chief Phil Fontaine. "We believe, and the international community
agrees, the
UN Declaration will benefit First Nations, Canada, and the world by
setting
minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of all
Indigenous
peoples."
"The UN Declaration is a valuable instrument that can be used to
create
opportunities for new and improved relationships between indigenous
peoples
and States in North America and throughout the world," said Grand
Chief Edward
John, a member of the First Nations Summit political executive and
First
Nations Leadership Council. "Through forums and discussions such as
this,
First Nations in Canada can come together to strategize on how to use
this
valuable instrument towards the betterment of our people and how we
can
continue to put pressure on Canada to follow Australia's lead and
abandon its
colonial policies in support of the full implementation of the UN
Declaration".

Highlights of the first day will include:

- 9:15 am - Opening remarks by First Nations leaders.
- 12:30 pm - Media availability with AFN National Chief Phil
Fontaine and
Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nation Summit and First
Nations
leadership Council.
- 2:00 p.m. - An international panel, including experts from the
United
Nations, will advise First Nations about using the UN's human
right's
mechanisms to promote the Declaration. The panel includes:
Victoria
Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous
Issues,
Connie Taracena, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of
Guatemala to
the United Nations, Claire Charters, Senior Lecturer, Victoria
University
of Wellington; Tonya Gonella Frichner, North America
representative, UN
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and Les Malezer,
Spokesperson,
National Aboriginal Alliance of Australia.

The UN Declaration passed last fall, with only Canada, New
Zealand, the
United States and Australia dissenting. Canada's opposition came after
more
than two decades of involvement in the drafting of the Declaration.
Since
then, all opposition parties in Canada have urged the federal
government to
support the Declaration. Meanwhile, the Labour Party, newly-elected as
the
government in Australia, made a campaign promise to support the
Declaration.
The two-day event is open to all media. The full agenda is
available
online at: www.afn.ca

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

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


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