Canada publicly released its draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act action plan late in the day on March 20, 2023. This begins Phase 2 of Canada’s engagement about steps it will take to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UN Declaration”).
Under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, the Minister of Justice must table a final action plan by June 21, 2023 setting out the measures Canada will take to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration.
JFK has been advising clients involved in the engagement process.
Phase 1 of Canada’s engagement process took place from December 2021 to December 2022. During this time, Canada held virtual and in-person sessions with First Nations, Inuit and Métis rights holders and with Indigenous women, Elders, youth, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, urban Indigenous people and other Indigenous organizations and groups.
The purpose of Phase 2 of Canada’s engagement is to get feedback on the draft action plan, including suggestions on how to fill gaps and strengthen measures, so the Minister of Justice can table a final action plan by June 21, 2023.
Canada has a webpage explaining how First Nations, Inuit, and Metis can provide feedback on the draft action plan.
The Assembly of First Nations is holding a Special Chiefs Assembly on the draft action plan, taking place in Ottawa from April 3-6, 2023.