Mixed reaction to support for UN declaration
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, May 16, 2016
IQALUIT
Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna has welcomed Canada becoming a full supporter of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples while the president of an organization representing Inuit sees little change from the country's previous position.
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett stated in New York May 10 that Canada will sign the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
"This is an important step and I'm hopeful this will strengthen Canada's relationship with all indigenous people, including the Inuit of Nunavut. I look forward to working with the federal government in this important development to better our nation," stated Taptuna.
Previously, Canada's position was that while it supported the spirit of the 2007 declaration, it was incompatible with Canada's constitutional framework.
However, on welcoming Canada's support, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed stated "the statement disappointingly suggests little change from the previous government's stance on the right of Inuit and other indigenous peoples to self-determination.
"I look forward to working with indigenous representatives and the Government of Canada to move beyond the current unilateral positions stated today," Obed stated.
