Indigenous People In Canada
In Canada, the term Indigenous peoples (or Aboriginal peoples) refer to First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of the land that is now Canada. In 2011, there were more than 1.8 million Aboriginal people living in communities throughout the country. Their history significantly predates the arrival of European settlers. Though severely threatened and in certain cases extinguished by colonial forces, Aboriginal culture, language and social systems have shaped the development of Canada, and continue to grow and thrive despite extreme adversity.
For decades, high level government inquiries, federal audits and international human rights bodies have repeatedly and consistently pointed to an unacceptable gap …show more content…
Canadian courts have called the protection of Indigenous rights “an underlying constitutional value,” “a national commitment” and a matter of “public interest".
Governments in Canada are supposed to act as guarantors of these rights. Instead, in positions taken during negotiations and before courts, governments in Canada have consistently sought to minimize their responsibilities. Processes to resolve disputes over Indigenous land rights are so adversarial, prolonged and costly that the Inter-Commission on Human Rights has concluded that lands claims processes in Canada don’t meet international standards of justice.
Land and Water
The widespread failure to protect Indigenous peoples’ rights to lands and resources, or to ensure timely resolution of outstanding land disputes, undermines the ability of Indigenous peoples to maintain ways of living on the land that are vital to their cultures, health and well-being. It also denies Indigenous peoples the opportunity to make their own decisions about the best forms of economic development needed to meet the needs and aspirations of their …show more content…
Since December 2012, the grassroots Idle No More movement has brought thousands of people out on the streets of Canadian cities to demand respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples. The Idle No More movement has catalyzed a public debate that is long overdue. The ongoing violation of the human rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada is simply unacceptable. Change will only occur, however, if enough voices demand
For decades, high level government inquiries, federal audits and international human rights bodies have repeatedly and consistently pointed to an unacceptable gap …show more content…
Canadian courts have called the protection of Indigenous rights “an underlying constitutional value,” “a national commitment” and a matter of “public interest".
Governments in Canada are supposed to act as guarantors of these rights. Instead, in positions taken during negotiations and before courts, governments in Canada have consistently sought to minimize their responsibilities. Processes to resolve disputes over Indigenous land rights are so adversarial, prolonged and costly that the Inter-Commission on Human Rights has concluded that lands claims processes in Canada don’t meet international standards of justice.
Land and Water
The widespread failure to protect Indigenous peoples’ rights to lands and resources, or to ensure timely resolution of outstanding land disputes, undermines the ability of Indigenous peoples to maintain ways of living on the land that are vital to their cultures, health and well-being. It also denies Indigenous peoples the opportunity to make their own decisions about the best forms of economic development needed to meet the needs and aspirations of their …show more content…
Since December 2012, the grassroots Idle No More movement has brought thousands of people out on the streets of Canadian cities to demand respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples. The Idle No More movement has catalyzed a public debate that is long overdue. The ongoing violation of the human rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada is simply unacceptable. Change will only occur, however, if enough voices demand