Alberta NDP Back UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Posted on: Jul 09, 2015
Edmonton, AB – Thursday, July 9, 2015
The election of the NDP Government in Alberta has been followed by swift action for the rights of indigenous peoples. Premier Notley pledged her commitment to improving intergovernmental relations between the government of Alberta and Alberta’s indigenous groups including the Métis community. In a mandate letter to Cabinet Ministers, Premier Notley emphasized the need to implement the objectives set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007.
An excerpt from Premier Notley’s letter reads:
“At its heart, the UN Declaration encourages all of us to celebrate and preserve indigenous cultures and traditions, and to work alongside indigenous people to ensure they are participating in decisions that concern them. This was a promise we made during our campaign and the government is committed to reviewing and approving legislation around consultation by working as partners with indigenous leaders.”
-Rachel Notley
MNA President, Audrey Poitras, is hopeful for the Government of Alberta’s renewed commitment to the Alberta Métis community and stated that “Premier Notley’s backing of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is indicative of progress toward our vision of building a nation that embraces Métis rights. By working together on important issues, we hope to better serve our Métis people.”