Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

September 15, 2007

Canada's 'slap in the face'

A Great Day for the World's Aboriginal Peoples, but a not so Special Day for the Government of Canada
KAHNAWAKE, QC

Sept. 13 /CNW Telbec -- Today, in New York, at the United Nations General Assembly, the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted. Among the 4 States which voted against the Declaration, is Canada.
"After so many years of efforts, the AFNQL applauds the adoption of the Declaration. It is a very important inheritance that we just bequeathed to our Aboriginal youth", stated the Chief of the AFNQL (Assembly of First Nations in Quebec and Labrador), Mr. Ghislain Picard.
However, the attitude of the Canadian Government casts a shadow over this special day: "It's a slap in our face on the part of the Canadian Government. It is irresponsible for a government that lauds itself throughout the world as a protector of human rights to vote against the basic rights of certain members of its country. It is high time for Canada to do a self-examination which will lead the way to an in-depth analysis of its relation with the Aboriginal peoples", stated Mr. Picard.
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the regional organization which represents the Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.
For further information: Alain Garon, Information and Communication Officer, AFNQL, (418) 842-5020, Cell.: (418) 956-5720

Harper government insults Canada's native people at United Nations
OTTAWA, Sept. 14 /CNW Telbec
"The government of Stephen Harper has insulted and shamed both Canada's native people, and non-native people at the United Nations yesterday in New York," said Paul Moist national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees. Read more ...(CUPE).
http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/September2007/14/c8990.html
"UN vote 'stain' on Canada's image"
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/256516
Statements from Indian leaders/Censored Blog
Indigenous world celebrates passage of UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights

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