Initial reactions to Ottawa’s plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples were mixed.
Federal Justice Minister David Lametti presented his plan to leaders at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly yesterday.
That plan, due by June 21st, will lay out the actions Canada will take to ensure all Federal laws are in line with the Declaration.
In its current form, the draft plan lists a number of priorities to address systemic racism, ensure oversight, advance self-determination, and more.
But some Chiefs noted that meetings with Government were rushed, and that not enough time was given to address important issues.
They stressed the importance of including Indigenous voices, saying that the plan will fail without meaningful consultation with First Nations.
BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee says the plan represents an opportunity which Nations can’t lose by trying to get perfection.
He expects a resolution to unite the Chiefs in a coordinated response to the plan when they meet for the last day of the Assembly today.
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