"First Nations Welcome Scrutiny of United Nations"

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is looking forward to visits this year to Canada by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

"The AFN and First Nation leaders have been advocating for Dr. James Anaya, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to visit Canada. This will be an important opportunity to build awareness of indigenous 'issues and solutions at the international level," said AFN National Chief Shawn a-in-chut Atleo. "First Nations in Canada have suffered from historic injustices, dispossession and denial of our lands, territories and resources. We must move forward respectfully towards recognition of title and implementation of Treaty and these visits can play an important role in affirming that action on these measures is needed now."

Last week, Canada delivered a report to the United Nations Human Rights Council as part of the Universal Periodic Review on their human rights record. Many countries related their deep concerns to Canada on human rights violations pertaining mainly to Indigenous peoples. These comments were in direct relation to violation of land rights, inequalities in education, health, drinking water and sanitation, food insecurity, control over lands and resources, violence against women and racial discrimination.

"We hope to work closely with the United Nations representatives to show not only the harsh realities but also the solutions driven by and for our people as the essential path forward. The UN Declaration compels us to work in partnership and respect to give life to our inherent Indigenous rights and Treaties. Our people deserve real action and results by the way of fundamental reform of key policies and investments that make sense. First Nations are diverse and face many challenges but by focusing on critical issues we can set-out a long-term strategic plan for progress and prosperity," said National Chief Atleo.

"I am pleased to learn about the upcoming visit of Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. After advocating for third party review of issues pertaining to our people, the Special Rapporteur will see for himself that our concerns are more than legitimate as confirmed in the last periodic review which concluded that Canada fell short of its obligations to our people," said AFN International Portfolio holder, Quebec/Labrador Regional Chief Ghislain Picard.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.