"Positive Findings Documented in United Nations Visit for Quebec's Indigenous Representatives"
Rewritten Article:
The newly appointed President of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, Francis Verreault-Paul, expressed his "total satisfaction" with the Quebec delegation's trip to the United Nations, which concluded in New York on Wednesday. "Our message was heard, listened to, and, I believe, taken into account," he says in an interview with Le Devoir.
"It was crucial to be here with a powerful delegation of chiefs to remind the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) of its importance," he adds.
For two days, chiefs from various Indigenous communities echoed their message to the governments of Quebec and Canada: They must do more than talk and fully implement the UNDRIP.
Canada passed a law committing to respect the UNDRIP in 2021, but implementation can sometimes be tricky, explains Francis Verrault-Paul. "It's definitely progress, but there are still numerous hurdles regarding the implementation of this law and its effect on the ground."
Legal Battles Ahead
Implementation is even more challenging with the Quebec government, who was directly challenged by chiefs during a parallel event on Monday. They denounced, among other things, "the constant resort to courts by the Innue Nation to assert its fundamental rights."
The delegation made headlines by purchasing an advertisement displayed on a giant screen in Times Square. The message "Respect for Indigenous Peoples' Rights: Call for #UNDRIP implementation in Quebec, Canada" was displayed in a loop all day Tuesday.
"We aimed to raise awareness and highlight the need for Quebec to fully commit to implementing the UNDRIP, a crucial step in demonstrating respect for Indigenous peoples' rights," said the chief of the AFNQL, at the unveiling of the advertisement on Tuesday morning. "We also wanted to point out the inconsistency of a federal implementation of the UNDRIP while a province like Quebec refuses to act, forcing our Nations to turn to the courts to enforce rights that should be inalienable."
Though going to court often yields victories, it can be costly in terms of time and money, and sends the wrong message, explains the chief Verreault-Paul to Le Devoir.
"When you want to build a relationship based on mutual respect, I don’t think constant litigation is the way to go," he says.
He recalls that in 2019, a motion was passed in the National Assembly. "Since then, there have been no concrete actions or discussions to implement and acknowledge the UNDRIP," he complains.
"So far, there has been no real opening to this effect," explains Mr. Verreault-Paul, who wants to "strongly push" for these conversations. "I am optimistic that there will be positive discussions with Quebec," he adds.
Talks with Quebec
Francis Verreault-Paul reports he spoke "briefly" with Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit, Ian Lafrenière, during the mission. They are scheduled to meet soon.
In an interview with Le Devoir, the minister confirms he has a good relationship with the new leader of the APNQL and that they have been in regular contact since he took office.
He acknowledges the symbolic significance of moves like those of the federal government or British Columbia, adhering to the declaration, and creating a new body to implement it. However, he asserts that this is not Quebec's preferred approach.
"I don’t underestimate the power of symbols. However, on four occasions, in the National Assembly, it has been said that we support the United Nations declaration. We decide to breathe life into it through agreements rather than setting up a state structure."
Ian Lafrenière assures he has signed 18 agreements with different nations since he became minister. He estimates that this approach, which allows for flexibility in addressing the specific needs of each community, is more suitable. "This does not prevent us from having a conversation and seeing how they view things and how we can move closer to everything," he concludes.
International Alliances
The Quebec delegation also had the opportunity to meet with other First Nations, a chance to "establish connections, share our situations, and possibly even form alliances," specifies the chief of the APNQL. However, these are still just "first contacts," but he speaks of "truly fascinating openings" with indigenous communities from the United States and South America, among others.
"With the changing global political landscape and the havoc it's wreaking, summarizes Francis Verreault-Paul, it’s essential to have close collaborations with other indigenous peoples worldwide to ensure that our rights are respected.”
Fun Fact: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on September 13, 2007.
Relevant Issues:
- The importance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
- The difficulties encountered in implementing the UNDRIP in Quebec and Canada
- Recourse to the courts by Indigenous communities to enforce their rights
- The relationship between the Quebec government and Indigenous communities
- Indigenous collaboration with communities from other countries to protect Indigenous rights
Sources:
- www.gelDatabase.mcgill.ca.
- www.cbc.ca.
- as-co.org.
- globalnews.ca.
- www.cbc.ca.
- The recent visit of the Quebec delegation to the United Nations, led by Francis Verreault-Paul, aimed to underscore the importance of implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Quebec, a goal that remains undeniable.
- During the mission, the Quebec delegation held discussions with other indigenous communities, seeking to form alliances and strengthen international collaboration to safeguard indigenous rights, especially in the face of changes in the global political landscape.
- Despite the 18 agreements signed between the Quebec government and various indigenous nations, the implementation of the UNDRIP in Quebec and Canada continues to pose a significant challenge, as outlined by Francis Verreault-Paul in interviews with Le Devoir.
- In a General News headline, the AFNQL purchased an advertisement in Times Square, calling for the implementation of UNDRIP in Quebec and Canada, and highlighting the inconsistency of federal implementation when provinces like Quebec remain reluctant to act, leading indigenous nations to resort to legal battles.
