Statement by National Chief Atleo Welcoming Intervention by United Nations Special Rapporteur

January 9, 2013

“Yesterday, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Mr. James Anaya, issued a statement urging the Government of Canada and First Nations peoples to seize the opportunity through the upcoming meeting on Friday, January 11th to rebuild relations in a true spirit of good faith and partnership.  

As of September 2007, First Nations peoples in Canada have sought the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as an expression of the Aboriginal and Treaty rights affirmed in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. We have continuously reminded Canada, and will do so again this Friday, that the intention of mutual respect and partnership is not only embodied in the UNDRIP, but also in the treaties between First Nations and the Crown. As the requirement for the reconciliation of First Nations sovereignty and the assumed sovereignty of the Crown affirmed by Section 35.
 
On January 4, 2013, Chief Wallace Fox of the Onion Lake Cree Nation wrote to Mr. Anaya and Alfred De Zayas, Independent Expert, Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, drawing their attention to the evolving situation in Canada regarding the Idle No More movement and the hunger strike of Chief Spence and requesting their intervention on these matters.

Part of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur relates to promoting good practices, including new laws, government programs and constructive agreements between Indigenous peoples and States to implement international standards concerning the rights of indigenous peoples. Last year, the Assembly of First Nations issued an invitation to the Special Rapporteur to conduct a country visit to Canada to examine the situation up close with a view to receiving his advice regarding his mandate. The Special Rapporteur indicated his desire to conduct such a visit and formally requested an invitation from Canada to welcome him here to engage with indigenous peoples and representatives of the Government of Canada that would promote the rebuilding of the relationship.

First Nations leaders encourage the Government of Canada to welcome Mr. Anaya to Canada to seek his advice and help on ways and approaches to achieve the mutual respect and partnership that must inform the new relationship."