Historic UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples Adopted Today

NEW YORK, NY, Sept. 13 – The United Nations has adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at a meeting of the General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York by an overwhelming majority of 143 votes in favor, four opposed and 11 abstentions. The Métis Nation, represented by Métis Nation of Ontario President Tony Belcourt joined leaders of Indigenous Peoples from around the world at this momentous occasion to applaud the Nation States which voted to approve the Declaration and to express its profound disappointment in Canada and the small number of other countries (Australia, New Zealand, USA) which voted in opposition to its adoption. Mr. Belcourt stated: “This is a truly remarkable milestone in the history of the struggle by Indigenous Peoples for the recognition of their rights by the global community of Nation States. It is the result of debate and negotiation between Indigenous peoples and Nation States for more than two decades since it was first drafted in 1985. The Declaration is an aspirational affirmation of our rights consistent with international law and as such provides a framework for the protection Indigenous peoples and the promotion of harmonious relations within the States where they live. We call on Canada to work with the Métis Nation and other Aboriginal peoples to develop policies and actions which are consistent with the provisions of the Declaration despite its opposition to its adoption. Now that we have achieved this great moment in history, it is incumbent on all States, including Canada, to work in a spirit of cooperation with Indigenous peoples within their borders towards the implementation of the provisions of this historic Declaration.”

For further information: Chelsey Quirk, Communications Assistant, (613) 798-1488, Ext. 104, Cell: (613) 299-6085, chelseyq@metisnation.org; For the text of the Declaration and other statements see the MNO website at: www.metisnation.org