UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
The “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People” defines the rights that Indigenous peoples around the world deserve. UNDRIP is not a law, but it tells the Government of Canada how to make sure its laws do not harm Indigenous peoples and do protect their rights.
Pauktuutit has created Inuit specific resources to empower Inuit woman, girls, and gender diverse to stand up for their rights.
UNDRIP has 46 articles that define Indigenous rights. Select from the list to learn more about some of these rights.
For more detailed resources and information, scroll below.
Indigenous peoples should have the power to make decisions for their own communities. They must be part of, and agree to, any decisions that affect them or their lands.
Indigenous peoples are equal to everyone else and have the right to be free from any discrimination, especially because of their indigenous origin or identity, when exercising their rights
Indigenous people have the right to better social and economic conditions, including better housing that is safe and appropriate
Indigenous peoples have the right to use their traditional medicines and health practices. They also have the right to access all social and health services without discrimination.
Indigenous peoples deserve a life free from violence and to be treated equally. They shouldn’t experience violence or unfair treatment anywhere, including in hospitals, by police or by child welfare agencies.
Cultures, language, and traditions must be recognized and protected. This includes ensuring that Inuit culture is preserved and not replaced with non-Inuit culture.
Indigenous peoples must not be forcibly removed from their lands or territories. Any relocation can only happen with their free, prior, and informed consent, agreement on fair compensation, and, if possible, the option to return.
Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their unique spiritual connection with their traditional lands, territories, waters, coastal seas, and other resources.
UNDRIP has 46 articles that define Indigenous rights. Select from the list to learn more about some of these rights.
For more detailed resources and information, scroll below.
Indigenous peoples should have the power to make decisions for their own communities. They must be part of, and agree to, any decisions that affect them or their lands.
Indigenous peoples are equal to everyone else and have the right to be free from any discrimination, especially because of their indigenous origin or identity, when exercising their rights
Indigenous people have the right to better social and economic conditions, including better housing that is safe and appropriate
Indigenous peoples have the right to use their traditional medicines and health practices. They also have the right to access all social and health services without discrimination.
Indigenous peoples deserve a life free from violence and to be treated equally. They shouldn’t experience violence or unfair treatment anywhere, including in hospitals, by police or by child welfare agencies.
Cultures, language, and traditions must be recognized and protected. This includes ensuring that Inuit culture is preserved and not replaced with non-Inuit culture.
Indigenous peoples must not be forcibly removed from their lands or territories. Any relocation can only happen with their free, prior, and informed consent, agreement on fair compensation, and, if possible, the option to return.
Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their unique spiritual connection with their traditional lands, territories, waters, coastal seas, and other resources.
UNDA and the Implementation Action Plan
UNDA
The UN Declaration Act (UNDA) is Canadian legislation that brings UNDRIP into Canadian laws. It tells the Government of Canada to work with Indigenous peoples to:
- Ensure that laws in Canada respect the rights of Indigenous peoples.
- Create an Action Plan to meet the goals of UNDRIP.
- Provide an update every year on the work they have done to change Canadian laws and how they have worked to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples.
An important part of including UNDRIP in Canadian laws will be taking steps to end all violence, respect Inuit culture, and ensure Inuit culture is not lost or replaced with non-Inuit culture.
The UN Declaration Act aims to make changes so:
- Indigenous peoples live without racism, violence, or discrimination.
- The Government of Canada respects Indigenous peoples, their culture, and their rights, and tries to repair past and present harm.
- The Government of Canada keeps its promises to Indigenous peoples.
The Action Plan
The Action plan is design to assist the government in implementing UNDRIP. According to the Government of Canada, the action plan must include measures:
- to address injustices, combat prejudice and eliminate all forms of violence, racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples, including elders, youth, children, persons with disabilities, women, men and gender-diverse and two-spirit persons
- to promote mutual respect and understanding, as well as good relations, including through human rights education.
The Action Plan is divided into various chapters and priorities, some key Inuit priorities identified include:
- Self-determination, self-government and treaty implementation
- Advancing Inuit-Crown partnership
- Inuktut revitalization, maintenance, protection and promotion
- Health and Wellness
- Sovereignty, defence and security
- Education, early learning and skills development
- Economic development and procurement
More information
If you are interested in more technical information or want to read about all the rights covered in UNDRIP, you can find them through Justice Canada and the United Nations.