OTTAWA, Ontario-The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, recently announced the establishment of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) Action Plan Advisory Committee (APAC).
The APAC is an Indigenous-led, independent body made up of 10 experts from diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis backgrounds and experiences, including historic and modern treaty partners. The committee reflects distinct perspectives shaped by various Indigenous cultures, languages, traditions and experiences.
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is an international human rights instrument that sets minimum standards to protect the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples. The Declaration Act, which became law in June 2021, is the result of almost 25 years of work and collaboration between Indigenous people and United Nations Member States from around the world, including Indigenous leaders from Canada, who played a significant role in drafting, negotiating and developing the Act.
The UN Declaration Act provides a framework for action to uphold the human rights of Indigenous people and move forward with reconciliation in a historic, transformational and action oriented way.
In June 2023, the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous people from across Canada, was released.
The newly formed committee will provide expertise and advice as the Minister implements the Shared Priorities measures in the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, in cooperation with Indigenous people and other federal ministers. They will advise in such areas relating to Indigenous participation as decision-making, free, prior and informed consent, and mechanisms for oversight and accountability.
The committee's advice is intended to complement, and not to replace, consultation directly with First Nations, Inuit and Métis rightsholders and representative institutions.
"The knowledge and experience of these members will provide valuable contributions to help implement the shared priorities of the UN Declaration Act 2023-2028 Action Plan," says The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. "Together with First Nations, Inuit and Métis we will create a brighter tomorrow for present and future generations, for Indigenous peoples and, indeed, all of Canada."
