Regional grand chief responds to UN declaration support

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE HURON REGION GRAND CHIEF ISADORE DAY

******************************* Lake Huron Region Anishinabek chief says UNDRIP a good step for treaty rights

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION - Lake Huron Region Grand Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini, applauds the prime minister and his cabinet for the long awaited endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). 

Day says: "It has been three long years of waiting for the federal government to jump on board with the majority of the countries in UN Delegation on this most important international instrument that recognizes the rights of all indigenous people across the world."

With making this bold step forward Canada is one step ahead of the United States, who is the last hold out country on signing this important declaration.   

"Today's announcement marks a major victory in the struggle of Indigenous peoples in Canada to regain their rightful place as nations in our home and native land, Canada, and also within the international community. It has been a long struggle for this recognition, spanning many decades, and we can now turn our full attention to the implementation of our rights."

"We stand willing to work with the other Indigenous peoples around the world to continue our collective struggle until we all achieve this kind of recognition and the full implementation of our right to self-determination."

On December 22, 2009 the Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty announced that the Ontario Liberals urged Prime Minister Harper to endorse this declaration, and in essence the Ontario government by taking this position, also recognized that indigenous rights are an important part of the relationship with aboriginal people in Ontario.

Chief Day says: "This is an important signal that provincial governments must now accept the articles of this declaration as guideposts to establish meaningful and congruent efforts towards just and fair dealings on a government to government basis; even if precedence will be the best formal outcome that is recognized by respecting this declaration - it's a start. We call on the Province of Ontario to officially endorse the UNDRIP without further delay and begin a collaborative implementation framework that will achieve results in many areas for example land rights."

In implementing this declaration, First Nation leaders like Day who hold strong positions on treaty rights, also strongly suggest that it is now time for the private sector and corporate Ontario to have a close look at the UN declaration. 

The Lake Huron grand chief concludes a final note of enthusiasm in that the articles in the declaration not only pertain to treaties but provide a solid opportunity to promote a just recognition of inherent rights of Indigenous people and allow for a practical means for education and awareness of First Nations history in Canada.

"All Canadians should be proud of their prime minister today."   *************************