ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF ANGUS TOULOUSE RESPONDS TO CANADA’S ENDORSEMENT
OF THE UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

TORONTO, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse stated that he welcomes Canada's November 12th endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. "This is an important development that has the potential to result in a more positive relationship between First Nations and the Government of Canada," stated Chief Toulouse.

On September 13, 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). At the time only four countries - the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada - failed to endorse the Declaration. Since that time, Australia and New Zealand have also changed their position and have endorsed the UNDRIP.

Although the public endorsement of the UNDRIP by the Canadian government is a positive step forward it is clear that the reasons that Canada failed to endorse the Declaration three years ago still remain a primary focus of the Canadian government, illustrated by their assertion that the Declaration does not reflect international customary law. Chief Toulouse stated that the federal government offers the proper rhetoric about reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights but has struggled to move beyond words to action to make reconciliation real and to build a relationship with First Nations based on mutual respect. Chief Toulouse indicated that it is imperative that government be willing to move beyond their entrenched and often unproductive positions to actually realize progress in the First Nation-Government relationship.

Chief Toulouse stated that the First Nations in Ontario have been strong advocates on this issue with the federal government and are pleased that their efforts have resulted this endorsement, and he also acknowledged the support of Premier Dalton McGuinty in calling on Prime Minister Harper to endorse the Declaration in correspondence shared with the First Nations dated December 17, 2009.

"First Nations remain hopeful and committed to working with the government of Canada to genuinely build a new relationship --- a relationship that recognizes and respects First Nations inherent jurisdiction, and reflects the spirit and intent of our Treaties," said Chief Toulouse. "Hopefully Canada's long overdue endorsement of the UNDRIP signals an intention by the federal government to work with First Nations in a true partnership toward meeting the standards set out in the Declaration. This is the premise from which we will approach the federal government in our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of our people," stated Chief Toulouse.

For further information:

Andre Morriseau, Communications Officer
Ph: 416-580-9320
Email: [email protected]