Canada Announces Intent to Fully Implement UNDRIP

In May, Canada took further steps towards more fully supporting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It had been one of the four states that voted in opposition of General Assembly approval in 2007. But with an announcement by Canada’s Indigenous Affairs Minister on May 10,2016, Canada now has declared its intention to fully implement the Declaration. 

The announcement was made during a session of the UN  Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Canada reversed its initial opposition to the Declaration in 2010, when it announced its endorsement of the instrument. 

The announcement in May of an intention to fully implement is seen by some as a milestonefor indigenous rights in Canada. 

But there are mixed views on Canada’s announcement. Tori Cress, who attended the UNPFII, does not see the intentions of implementing the UNDRIP in accordance with the Canadian Constitution as a step forward for indigenous rights. 

Cress also criticizes the UNPFII as a forum dominated by state participants, leaving the indigenous participants in a “subordinate position.”