The UN has set minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples, which were developed over 25 years and had significant contributions from Indigenous leaders, including those from Canada.
The Act has been in force since June 2021 and provides a framework for upholding Indigenous rights and advancing reconciliation in Canada. Under the Act, Canada is mandated to take all measures necessary to ensure laws are consistent with the declaration and report on progress annually.
“Over the past year, we have made real progress — like advancing the Inuit Nunangat Policy, which makes sure Inuit voices guide the policies and actions that support their social, economic, and cultural well-being across all regions of Inuit Nunangat,” said Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty in a statement.
Released Aug. 20, the report provides an overview of the implementation which is guided by the Act’s action plan released June 2023. The plan contains 181 measures developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous peoples to achieve the stated objectives.
Key achievements and challenges were noted in the report, with contributions from 58 First Nations, Inuit and Métis nations, organizations and governments, and reports from over 41 federal departments and agencies.
“We’re supporting over 115 Indigenous-led employment organizations, expanding access to nutritious school food and strengthening distinctions-based early learning and childcare with more than 60 Indigenous partners,” noted Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu.
In the past year, progress included incorporating a non-derogation clause into the Interpretation Act, which ensures that all laws are interpreted in a manner that upholds Aboriginal and treaty rights, in the way they are recognized and affirmed under s. 35 of the Constitution Act.
An Indigenous-led, independent action plan advisory committee was created in order to advise the federal government on key measures that are outlined in the Shared Priorities chapter of the action plan. This included Indigenous participation in decision-making and methods for accountability and oversight.
As well, the Indigenous Justice Strategy was also released to address systemic discrimination and to reduce Indigenous peoples’ overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. Border crossing challenges faced by Indigenous people whose traditional territories became divided by Canada’s colonial borders were also addressed.
In alignment with the Indigenous Languages Act, progress was made to advance access to federal services in Indigenous languages. An Indigenous stewardship policy was also co-developed that requires Parks Canada to develop stewardship plans with Indigenous partners for protected heritage sites that it has a role in administering.
Further, on-reserve infrastructure gaps were addressed through investment in infrastructure projects on-reserve. Drinking water advisories in First Nations communities were also addressed.
The report also identified key areas for improvement, which included “enhanced federal coordination, increased and predictable funding for Indigenous partners, and the development of clear, co-developed metrics to measure progress.”
Indigenous partners had emphasized the need for transparency, meaningful consultation and inclusion of diverse voices, in particular those of women, youth, Two-Spirit and urban Indigenous communities.
The federal government said it will continue to work with Indigenous partners and across all departments and agencies in order to accelerate the implementation of UNDRIP and to ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis human rights are upheld.
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