Notley applauded for move to implement UNDRIP

In a move that has been applauded by First Nations leaders, NDP Premier Rachel Notley has directed her Cabinet ministers to “conduct a review …of your ministry’s policies, programs and legislation that may require changes based on the principles of the (United Nations) Declaration (on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

“It’s good that they’re doing that,” said Craig Mackinaw, new Alberta Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. “We’ve been talking about it for years now. I’m glad that finally somebody is following up on it.”

In a letter to her colleagues, dated July 7, Notley wrote “our task will be to engage directly with Indigenous people….” She instructed that “engagement tables” be held, with all three Treaty areas that comprise Alberta, as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Settlements General Council. Kathleen Ganley, minister of Aboriginal relations, was appointed to coordinate departmental reviews as well as ideas for implementation submissions, to be presented by Feb. 1, 2016.

Mackinaw said it is vital that Indigenous people be consulted, something that the previous provincial government came under constant criticism over. First Nations held that the Conservative government held meetings, but did not listen to representatives. True consultation, says Mackinaw, will send a “good working relationship” message.

“I know Treaty 6 Chiefs want to sit down with their (Cabinet) ministers while (Cabinet is) reviewing the UN Declaration and get some input from (the Chiefs). I’m hoping (the government does) follow up with that with the Chiefs,” said Mackinaw.

On election night, Notley’s victory speech included committing to a stronger, better relationship with the province’s Indigenous peoples. 

“(Her action now) shows that she’s trying to get a better relationship with us moving forward,” said Mackinaw.

It’s a lead, he says, the other provinces should follow, although he expects it will take time for the other premiers to take the same steps.

“(If the provinces follow) it would make things better for everybody and then in turn, work on the federal government to look at changing how they’ve been approaching it,” said Mackinaw. He is hopeful that the results of the upcoming federal election will make the Prime Minister more agreeable to a change in relations with Aboriginal peoples.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde also urged the provinces and the federal government to commit to the implementation of the UN Declaration.

Speaking at the close of the AFN’s annual general assembly in Haudenosaunee territory on July 9, Bellegarde called Alberta’s move “an historic and monumental step forward to take concrete and comprehensive action to respect and realize the fundamental human rights of Indigenous peoples.”

In her letter, Notley said, “In considering the objectives of the UN Declaration, our approach will be based on the principle that the bounty of Alberta’s resources must be shared by all Albertans.”

Bellegarde says Notley’s emphasis of sharing the resources is important and answers the call for reconciliation.

“She highlighted that Indigenous peoples must benefit both from the development of natural resources in the province and conservation of the environment. She stressed that the air, land, and water that we all rely on must be protected,” he said.

Mackinaw is hopeful that Notley’s directive is more than lip service.

“It’s just a matter of waiting to see how things work out,” he said. “Now is a good time to sit down and discuss the issues and hopefully moving forward, between now and the next six or seven months, we can do that.”