MCK Seeking Community Input for UNDRIP

KAHNAWAKE – The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is seeking interested community members to provide feedback on the draft Action Plan developed to implement Canada’s Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (The Act).

The Act and Draft Action Plan are Canada’s response to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, commonly known as UNDRIP. On June 21, 2021, Canada’s UNDRIP Act came into force and the Draft Action Plan was released in March of 2023 following a consultation phase with Indigenous communities. The second and current consultation phase is taking place until the end of May of 2023. As such, the MCK is seeking community input to inform the development of recommendations to amend and further develop the Action Plan to better meet Indigenous perspectives. Upon completion of their consultation process, Canada is scheduled to present the final the Action Plan to their House of Commons by June 21, 2023.

Currently, we know that the UNDRIP Action Plan has the potential for far-reaching implications, as it will guide the federal approach to implementing a range of individual and collective rights including but not limited to:

Self-determination and self-government

Equality and non-discrimination

Culture and language

Identity and community

Religion and spirituality

Lands, territories, and resources

Environment

Indigenous institutions and legal systems

Health

Education

It is extremely important that Kahnawa’kehró:non provide their input on Canada’s UNDA Draft Action Plan before it is finalized.

Two identical sessions will take place and participants can choose a date based on their preference and availability:

Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 4:30-7:30pm

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 4:30-7:30pm

Those interested should contact Jaime-Lynn Deere at (450) 632-7500 or email [email protected]. Dinner will be included for all participants. Please respond by 4pm on Friday May 19, 2023.

For more information on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and its implementation, please visit http://www.kahnawake.com/undrip.