August 9, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion and International Trade and Economic Development; and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, issued the following statement from the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people:

“Three years ago, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of Indigenous Peoples, became law in Canada. Since then, Canada has worked closely with Indigenous partners to identify gaps and propose changes to advance implementation of the UN Declaration at the federal level. Global Affairs Canada is committed to working with other departments and agencies to advance this necessary and transformational work.

“Globally, there are an estimated 476 million Indigenous people, who are custodians of distinct cultures, ways of life and languages, and diverse environments. Despite their great resilience, Indigenous Peoples worldwide face common challenges, including recognition and respect for their individual and collective rights.

“At home, Canada is committed to the transformation of its relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition, respect and partnership. This includes the full realization of Indigenous rights. Historically, Canada has denied rights to First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals through assimilationist policies, including residential schools, and while important challenges remain, Canada is moving toward a distinctions-based approach to engaging with Indigenous Peoples, advancing truth and reconciliation and supporting Indigenous self-determination.

“Internationally, guided by the UN Declaration, Canada advocates for enhanced Indigenous participation in global, regional and local decision making on issues affecting Indigenous Peoples. At the United Nations, Canada is committed to working alongside Indigenous partners to advocate for the creation of a new status that affirms Indigenous Peoples’ recognized right to self-determination, separate from civil society and non-governmental organizations, which empowers Indigenous Peoples’ full, effective and meaningful participation.

“Canada continues to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis rights holders and their national designates to guide Indigenous-led development programming. This includes, for example, work under the Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate initiative, which supports Indigenous priorities and leadership in addressing climate change in communities around the world.

“There is a troubling global trend of human rights violations against Indigenous Peoples. To address this, Canada supports the voices of Indigenous human rights defenders through initiatives like the Voices at Risk guidelines for Canadian diplomats. Canada is also an important donor to the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and the Indigenous Fellowship Programme.

“Canada’s international trade policies reflect its commitment to inclusive trade and empowering Indigenous businesses. The recent inclusion of a Trade and Indigenous Peoples chapter in the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement is an example of this commitment.

“Last year, Canada welcomed an official visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and his findings and recommendations on how to address our shortcomings. Canada’s willingness to accept independent, constructive scrutiny of its human rights record is critical to its credibility, both domestically and internationally, and we are better for it.

“In commemorating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Canada reaffirms its dedication to listening, learning from and working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world.”