September 16, 2008 News

First Nations demand rights

by Ion Etxebarria

PHOTO Ion Etxebarria

At least 400 people commemorated the first anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and deplored that the Canadian government has refused to sign it. 

The United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada were the only countries that voted against the UN’s declaration. These countries especially opposed articles 19 and 26 in which governments are requested “to obtain [from First Nations] their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them” and “to give legal recognition and protection” to First Nations land, territories and resources. 

Australia has since reversed its decision and has declared its support for the declaration.