New Tools to Assist First Nations in Addressing Discrimination

OTTAWA, April 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Resolving complaints about discrimination in First Nations communities should become easier, thanks to a new suite of tools developed by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC).

The Toolkit for Developing Community-based Dispute Resolution Processes in First Nations Communities is a guide for First Nations leaders, managers and administrators on how to develop their own processes for resolving human rights disputes. It covers a wide range of topics, including community engagement, policy development, financing, and implementation.

The CHRC worked closely with First Nations organizations to ensure that the Toolkit speaks directly to the needs and values of First Nations communities.

"We developed the Toolkit with a deliberate emphasis on self-governance and independence—important values to many First Nations," Acting Chief Commissioner David Langtry said. "We hope First Nations governments find it useful in developing processes to protect the rights of the most vulnerable members of their communities."

The Toolkit encourages First Nations communities to use their unique traditions and customs, such as the Seven Grandfather Teachings, to shape community-based dispute resolution processes. It is available online at doyouknowyourrights.ca.

Since Parliament amended the Canadian Human Rights Act in 2008 to allow complaints of discrimination to be brought against First Nations governments and the federal government for matters under the Indian Act, the CHRC has been providing guidance and collaborating with First Nations in meeting their new responsibilities. The Indian Act had previously been excluded from federal human rights law.

You can follow the Commission on TWITTER: @CdnHumanRights.
You can also like the Commission on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianHumanRightsCommission

SOURCE: Canadian Human Rights Commission

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