48. We call upon the church parties to the Settlement Agreement, and all other faith groups and interfaith social justice groups in Canada who have not already done so, to formally adopt and comply with the principles, norms, and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation. This would include, but not be limited to, the following commitments:
- Ensuring that their institutions, policies, programs, and practices comply with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Respecting Indigenous peoples’ right to self- determination in spiritual matters, including the right to practise, develop, and teach their own spiritual and religious traditions, customs, and ceremonies, consistent with Article 12:1 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Engaging in ongoing public dialogue and actions to support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Issuing a statement no later than March 31, 2016, from all religious denominations and faith groups, as to how they will implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls upon, church parties to the Settlement Agreement and all other faith groups and interfaith social justice groups to adopt the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Taking on this declaration would include, but are not limited to the following commitments:
Establishing that all aspects of their institutions, policies, programs and practices comply with the UNDRIP.
Respect Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination in spiritual matters. This would include the right to practice, develop and teach their own spiritual and religious traditions, customs and ceremonies. Consistent with article 12:1 of the UNDRIP.
i. To be active in public dialogue and actions to support the UNDRIP.
ii. Issuing a statement by March 31st, 2016, on behalf of all religious and faith groups, on a plan for action they plan to take to implement the UNDRIP.
Did you know that the UNDRIP was adopted by 144 countries, while only four countries voted against the declaration. Canada was one of these four countries and has not yet since fully adopted the declaration yet.
Further reading:
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Foundations, UBC.
Implementing the UNDRIP,Assembly of First Nations, AFN.
UNDRIP animation, Insight Share.
Compiled by: Samuel Bigelow