Background Content

Call to Action # 43: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (43-44)

AFN-QL submits concerns around lack of Québec support for UNDRIP

June 16, 2021

Let us recall that the AFNQL submitted proposed amendments that it deemed reasonable to the various committees in charge of studying Bill C-15, to allow First Nations to have the leverage to engage provincial jurisdictions such as Quebec, which will undoubtedly challenge its legitimacy, if not its application. “In any case, the AFNQL will continue to exercise increased vigilance for the respect of the principles and rights that the Declaration asserts. The right to self-determination is an undeniable reality. It will be up to governments to act accordingly and prepare to adapt their laws and policies with the spirit of the Declaration. If it is true that there is no relationship more important than that with Indigenous peoples, we expect the federal government to stand by our side, as a true ally, to support us and defend their law before Quebec,” declared AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard.