THE AFNQL WELCOMES THE UNITED STATES'S ENDORSEMENT OF THE UN DECLARATION ON
THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

GATINEAU, QC, Dec. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - The Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard, welcomes the announcement made yesterday by US President, Barack Obama that his country is now endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. "We are very pleased that every country that was initially opposed to this important Declaration during the UN adoption has since changed their position. Just like Canada did a few weeks ago, the United States is now doing the right thing by recognizing the Declaration", said Chief Ghislain Picard who welcomes this decision.   

On September 13, 2007, 144 countries had voted in support of the Declaration's adoption while only four countries voted against it: Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Since Canada endorsed the Declaration on November 12, the only country remaining was the United States who still did not support the implementation of the Declaration of the United Nations on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This most expected announcement from President Obama was made yesterday in Washington during the second meeting of the White House Tribal Nations Conference. "This meeting is an initiative of the Obama Administration and a testimony of respect from President Obama toward Aboriginal inherent sovereignty and the determination to honor their commitments towards the indigenous nations. It's certainly an example to follow for Canada", said Chief Picard.

AFNQL's Chief also mentions the manner in which the announcement was made. "In contrast to a simple Friday afternoon press release announcing the endorsement made by the Prime Minister of Canada, President Obama has done it in style and with great pride by announcing it before the Aboriginal leaders. He even added that although the Declaration was endorsed, it must now be implemented by concrete actions», added Ghislain Picard.  

The AFNQL Chief wishes to congratulate all the citizens and every group and organization, both nationally and internationally, that have deployed considerable efforts in demonstrating their fervent desire that every country endorses the United Nation's Declaration on the rights of indigenous.

About the AFNQL

The AFNQL is the regional organization that represents Quebec and Labrador's 43 First Nations Chiefs. For more information: www.apnql-afnql.com.

For further information:

Éric Cardinal
Communications Consultant
514 258-2315 (cell.)