Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.

What success looks like

Strengthened relationships between the government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Government's narrative on progress

As of November 2018, Canada is engaged in over 75 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through the co-development of negotiation mandates. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UNDRIP and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming updates to policy that addresses section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UNDRIP. The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions are one of the mechanisms Canada is using to advance implementation of Articles 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the UNDRIP. This reflects Article 18 of the Declaration affirming that Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making about matters affecting their rights through their own representatives. The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UNDRIP by: • Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation; • Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders; • Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; • Adopting a set of Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples; • Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations; • Working with Indigenous self-governments to review financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development; • Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishinabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System; • Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the *First Nations Land Management Act* with the Lands Advisory Board; • Acknowledging UNDRIP within the *First Nations Land Management Act* aligns with the Government of Canada’s commitment to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It is a symbolic statement and furthers Canada’s reconciliation efforts;. • Working with Indigenous peoples to replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Rights Policy with a rights-based policy, while also continuing to listen to ideas about what could be in potential future legislation to make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government; and • Co-developed a consultation protocol agreement between the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations and the Government of Canada to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to work in a spirit of partnership and collaboration with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation to advance reconciliation and self-determination, and make real progress on the issues most important to them. • In January 2019, Canada entered into a protocol for consultation and accommodation with the Huron Wendat Nation that facilitates consultation and engagement, promotes relationship building and clarifies roles and responsibilities between Canada and the Huron-Wendat Nation. There are currently nine more protocols under negotiation (all at various stages of the negotiation process) and one that is anticipated to begin negotiations in 2019-2020.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.