United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: While New
Zealand Endorses the UNDRIP, AFNQL Wonders if Canada Will Hold its Commitment

KAHNAWAKE, QC, April 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Monday morning (April 19), the Minister of Maories Affairs of New Zealand, Mr. Pita Sharples, flew to New York to announce to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues of the UN that New Zealand finally supported the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, after voting against its adoption in 2007.

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) is pleased to welcome this good news and the hard work of negotiations initiated by Maori over the past three years since the adoption by 144 countries in this Declaration. This long-term work has borne fruit. The only two countries that remain opposed to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are Canada and the United States.

In the recent Speech of the Throne, the Canadian government announced its intention to change its position and join the group of States that supported the Declaration. "We hope that Canada will be inspired by New Zealand and that this Declaration will be recognized and implemented in Canada," said AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard, who will also visit New York this week to participate in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

About the AFNQL:

The AFNQL is the regional body that brings together 43 Chiefs of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. For information: www.apnql-afnql.com

For further information: Éric Cardinal, Communication officer, [phone] (cell.), [email protected]