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October 24th, 2019

NDP Statement on B.C. Tabling Historic Bill to Implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“Today, the NDP government in British Columbia is tabling a historic bill to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples. Our country’s relationship with Indigenous peoples has been deeply troubled and must change. This historic move by Premier Horgan will help reconcile British Columbia’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.

Federally, we must do the same.

Successive federal governments have denied the basic human rights of Indigenous peoples, stolen children from their parents, forced Indigenous peoples off their homelands and territories, and claimed lands without consent or compensation.

We don’t believe Indigenous peoples should be treated this way.

New Democrats are committed to undertaking the important work of reconciliation in good faith, and in true and equal partnership with Indigenous communities across the country. We’re committed to making different choices that prioritize Indigenous sovereignty and autonomy, and supporting services and programs that increase quality of life and dignity.

A new framework for reconciliation must be grounded in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, which sets out minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

We will work with Indigenous peoples to ensure that Canada’s laws, policies, and practices are consistent with Canada’s human rights commitments – including cultural rights, land rights, and rights to self-determination and self-government.”