Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (the Act) requires working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation to develop an action plan that identifies specific measures to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Declaration), thereby enabling Indigenous peoples to enjoy the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of their respective peoples.

“Since the introduction of Bill C-15 a year ago, we have continued to consult and engage with Indigenous partners and organizations to discuss the implementation of the Declaration and the Act, and the path forward. This process is about taking action to uphold human rights and advance reconciliation in a tangible way. Together, we must ensure that the rights of all Indigenous peoples are recognized, honoured, and respected. We look forward to hearing more from Indigenous partners on their priorities for the action plan.” 

The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

“The priorities and rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis will be the starting point for this historic work to implement the Act and put the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into action. This is a critically important opportunity to work together on concrete measures to address injustices, combat prejudice, and end systemic racism and discrimination. We will work together to promote and uphold Indigenous rights, which are the roots from which justice, equality and respect will grow.”

The Honorable Marc Miller,
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is an international human rights instrument that affirms the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples throughout the world.

• On June 21, 2021, Bill C-15, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent and became law. 

• Implementing the Declaration responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 43, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice and supports the Federal Pathway.

• The Act provides a road map for the Government of Canada to work in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation on the development of an action plan, including measures to ensure federal laws are consistent with the Declaration.

• As per the Act, the Government of Canada must fulfil three inter-related legal obligations in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples:

  • Take all measures necessary to ensure consistency of federal laws with the Declaration
  • Develop an action plan by June 2023 to achieve the objectives of the Declaration
  • Develop annual reports on progress and submitting them to Parliament

• The consultation, cooperation and engagement process will be broad, inclusive and distinctions-based. It will include consultations and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis rights holders, including modern treaty signatories, self-governing nations and historic treaty partners, as well as with national and regional Indigenous representative organizations. It will also include engagement with Indigenous women, youth, Elders, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons, as well as urban and other Indigenous organizations and groups.

Associated links

• www.Canada.ca/Declaration
• Backgrounder - United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
• Next steps: Consultation, Cooperation and Engagement Process
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

For more information, media may contact:

Chantalle Aubertin
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable David Lametti
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
(613) 992-6568
Chantalle.Aubertin@justice.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
613-957-4207
media@justice.gc.ca

Vanessa Adams
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Vanessa.Adams@sac-isc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

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