United Nations’ (UN) special rapporteur on indigenous rights James Anaya, a law professor, has arrived in Canada to survey the problems and concerns of Canadian Aboriginals.
“The idea is to get a first-hand view of the situation of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada by hearing directly from as many as I can,” said Anaya.
With no legally binding authority, Anaya’s job is to promote Aboriginal rights by ‘naming and shaming’ governments into policy action.
The report, which will come after Anaya’s 9-day visit, will include recommendations for the federal government and for First Nations communities.
No doubt land rights and use, including natural resource development, will be listed among the major concerns.
Canadian heavy industry has struggled to develop broad, healthy working relations with First Nations – particularly since the inception of the Idle No More movement, which aims to thwart industrial development.
“Our people and our Mother Earth can no longer afford to be economic hostages in the race to industrialise our homelands,” reads a quote from an Athabasca First Nation man on the Idle No More homepage.
3 Comments
Fred Stubbs
The Canadian government should never let these UN people get involved in our domestic issues. The UN hasn’t been able to solve 3rd world problems so now we let these jerks in here to start trouble.
McColl Magazine
This UN rep should be handed a copy of the Indian Act. That says it all. Take that to the UN
babennett
All monies that the are now being given to Natives in Canada should be stopped and let them apply for relief from the UN if that is what they want to do. If they are not happy with the Free ride they are receiving at the moment they will be even less thrilled with what the UN can do for them.