The implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) will build a better, more equitable future for both Canada and Indigenous peoples. Together with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, we are moving forward and honoring nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships based on the affirmation of rights, the value of mutual respect and working together as equal parties.
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, accompanied by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced the release of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, to provide a roadmap for the implementation, and to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration. The Ministers were joined by First Nations, Inuit and Métis leadership from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council.
The UN Declaration affirms a range of collective and individual Indigenous rights, which constitute minimum standards, to contribute to the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples. The UN Declaration Act, which became law in June 2021, is a lasting and action-oriented framework to advance Canada's implementation of the UN Declaration, including ensuring that Canada's laws are consistent with the UN Declaration.
The Action Plan sets out commitments to actions and measures that Canada will take with Indigenous peoples to implement the rights and principles affirmed in the UN Declaration and advance reconciliation in a meaningful, tangible way. The Action Plan includes 181 specific measures to uphold and advance the human rights of Indigenous peoples, address injustices, prejudice, violence, systemic racism and discrimination, and monitor implementation of the Action Plan. It also includes measures to:
- advance self-determination and self-government
- advance the honourable implementation of treaties, agreements, and other constructive arrangements
- ensure meaningful participation by Indigenous peoples in decision-making over lands, territories, resources, and inclusive economic development
- revitalize Indigenous languages, cultures and legal systems
The Action Plan also includes measures needed to ensure federal laws are consistent with the UN Declaration and for holding Canada accountable for implementation, as well as delivering on other priorities identified during the work together on the Action Plan.
The Government of Canada is committed to fully implementing the Action Plan. It will continue working with Indigenous peoples to prioritize implementation of the measures in the plan to advance transformative change and reconciliation. The Government of Canada will also seek opportunities to engage the provinces and territories, industry and other sectors that are necessary to advance the implementation of the plan.
The Action Plan is a living document, which will continue to evolve. Review and updates undertaken with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments and representative institutions will ensure its measures reflect the priorities of Indigenous peoples.
The implementation of the Action Plan and of the UN Declaration will contribute to the Government of Canada's continued efforts to fulfill its obligations to consult and cooperate with Indigenous peoples, combat systemic racism and discrimination, close socio-economic gaps, and advance equity, equality, and prosperity for Indigenous peoples. The Action Plan can also inspire action by all Canadians and levels of governments. The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to the UN Declaration as a framework for reconciliation through recognizing and advancing Indigenous rights and is committed to this Action Plan inspiring everyone to join Canada, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in creating a reconciled and brighter future for all.
