B.C. First Nations leader has demand for new federal Indian affairs minister (Straight)

06 Aug B.C. First Nations leader has demand for new federal Indian affairs minister (Straight)

The newly appointed federal minister of Indian affairs needs to convince Prime Minister Stephen Harper to fully endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, says the president of the B.C. Union of Indian Chiefs.

“At this point the Harper government is making noises about a qualified level of support. We need absolute full support for the declaration as it stands,” Grand Chief Stewart Phillip told the Straight by phone.

In 2007, the U.N General Assembly adopted the declaration, which affirms rights to self determination, freedom from discrimination, and control of traditional lands, among others. … Go to article.