Assembly of First Nations Applauds Wilton Littlechild Appointment to UN Expert Mechanism on Rights of Indigenous Peoples

July 19, 2012

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today offered congratulations to Wilton Littlechild who was appointed Chairperson of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) at the commencement of the 5th Session on EMRIP this week.

“On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and the national executive, I offer congratulations to Mr. Littlechild on this recent appointment,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.  “As an experienced and effective expert and advocate on Treaty rights, inherent rights and human rights, Mr. Littlechild is well deserving of this honour and I have every confidence he will carry out his responsibilities with great distinction and enthusiasm.”

The EMRIP provides the United Nations Human Rights Council with thematic advice in the form of studies and research on the rights of indigenous peoples.  Members are appointed by the Human Rights Council on the basis of their expertise on indigenous rights.  The EMRIP holds an annual session, usually in July, where state representatives, indigenous peoples, indigenous peoples organizations, civil society, human rights organizations and academia take part.

Mr. Littlechild is a member of the Ermineskine Cree Nation.  He is a lawyer and former Member of Parliament. He is also currently serving as a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow us on Twitter @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms

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For more information please contact: 

Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca