Chretien-era effort to soften UN’s Indigenous language a ‘stain’ on Canada: Hajdu – iHeart Radio
A Jean Chretien-era effort to soften United Nations language on Indigenous Peoples is casting a pall on the current Liberal government.
Newly released Australian cabinet documents from 2003 show both countries worked together on putting forward a softer version of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The declaration spells out Indigenous rights, including self-determination, language and cultural preservation; prohibits forced removal from lands or territories; and requires states to consult with Indigenous Peoples.
The declaration was amended before it was adopted by the U-N in 2007, with Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States being the only countries to vote against it.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, points out Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government passed legislation in 2021 to bring the declaration into law.
