Liberal Party of Canada - Aboriginal Peoples' Commission

Media Releases

Statement by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

December 10, 2009

For Immediate Release
December 10, 2009

OTTAWA – Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement today on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:

“Today, I would like to reaffirm my unequivocal support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“This declaration sets out the individual and collective rights of the world’s 370 million indigenous peoples. It calls for the strengthening of their cultural identities, and emphasizes their right to pursue development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations.

“Unfortunately, our current government voted against this very important declaration and to this day refuses to recognize its value. Canada’s indigenous people have played a vital role in building a better Canada and the Canadian government must recognize their hard work and sacrifices.

“Along with Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic Todd Russell, on behalf of Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, we urge Prime Minister Harper to show his commitment to the rights of indigenous people, not only in Canada, but around the world.”


Home APC Constitution The Importance of the Aboriginal Vote National Executive Policy Aboriginal Liberal Caucus History Aboriginal Electoral Endowment Fund Contact Us Liberal Party of Canada Français	Media Releases Statement by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples December 10, 2009 For Immediate Release December 10, 2009 OTTAWA – Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement today on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: “Today, I would like to reaffirm my unequivocal support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “This declaration sets out the individual and collective rights of the world’s 370 million indigenous peoples. It calls for the strengthening of their cultural identities, and emphasizes their right to pursue development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations. “Unfortunately, our current government voted against this very important declaration and to this day refuses to recognize its value. Canada’s indigenous people have played a vital role in building a better Canada and the Canadian government must recognize their hard work and sacrifices. “Along with Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic Todd Russell, on behalf of Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, we urge Prime Minister Harper to show his commitment to the rights of indigenous people, not only in Canada, but around the world.”
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