On April 9, 2008 the National Aboriginal Leaders did a joint press release supporting the Canadian Government’s support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. Democracy is an elusive thing – the House of Commons passed the motion to support the declaration by a majority vote and eight days later the Conservative government is working to block a Draft American Declaration which will veto a human rights document for Indigenous people. I guess the spirit in which the motion passed is seriously challenged if we are still in an International forum vetoing and not supporting the basic human rights of all people, including the Indigenous peoples of the world.
http://metisbarefacts.blogspot.com/2008/04/fontaine-simon-and-chartier.html
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2008/09/c4190.html
Harper Government International Embarrassment
http://www.liberal.ca/story_13847_e.aspx
April 17, 2008
OTTAWA – The Conservative government must stop trying to block the Draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Liberal Aboriginal Affair Critic Anita Neville and Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae said today.
“There is nothing subtle or measured in this government’s actions at the Organization of American States’ meeting taking place this week,” said Ms. Neville.
“Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government is working to pre-emptively veto a critical human rights document for indigenous peoples. This is the second time they have blocked a basic human rights document for indigenous peoples and it sends a message to Aboriginal Canadians that they do not matter.
” This week in Washington, Canada issued a statement indicating that the Conservative government has refused to accept a draft document because it is based on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“This is appalling. Even though Canada was one of only four nations to vote against the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it is now a human rights instrument. It is hypocritical of the Conservatives to claim that they are champions of human rights while claiming that the Declaration text does not apply to Canada and blocking the OAS draft statement,” said Ms. Neville.
The government brought shame on Canada’s international reputation when it voted against the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples last year. It was the first time Canada voted against a human rights document.
“If we are to maintain our international reputation we have to show leadership on human rights issues,” said Mr. Rae.
Mr. Rae noted that Canada has been an active participant in the negotiations on the OAS draft declaration since 1997.
“The government’s actions are putting the current process at risk. Canada should either get back to the table or end this international embarrassment,” said Mr. Rae.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Harper Government International Embarrassment
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As with the current government I agree on blocking this Draft because as mentioned in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Article 26 of the UN declaration states: "Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired." This goes against our Charter, and is very vague as to what it means and could become very expensive for our government and Canadians. “Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said Canada opposed the declaration because it lacks clear guidance for implementation and conflicts with the existing Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which the government believes already protects the rights of aboriginals.” What more do the Aboriginals want? If one looks at those who opposed the declaration you would see that it is made up of the 4 countries with the largest populations of indigenous peoples. There is a good reason why these countries shouldn’t allow a socialistic, freedom robbing, individual rights robbing organization like the UN determine what it should an shouldn’t do with its indigenous peoples. If the UN had its way all people in the world would be equal (Slaves).
I hope our government continues to stand up for our individual rights as Aboriginal people and fight against these collective (Communistic) rights that organizations like the UN are trying to shove down our throats. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has the right spirit, it just has not taken the time to make sure that the wording is proper.
I am not embarrassed with our government, I am embarassed with these leftards like Rae, Dion, and Layton who show no intelligence and are only out for the votes of the Aboriginals of Canada.
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