United Nations Vote for Native Rights...

[Fisher]

Well the good news is the World is moving forward on human rights and in this case native rights...

The bad news is Canada was one of four who was against human rights for native...

The Canadian Govenment has just recieved a kick in the teeth and a punch to the face...now it is transparent how ugly the Canadian Government is when dealing with a race who they have signed treaties to live together with but continues to fight native rights in this country...one step back in evolution for the Government of Canada when it involves human rights.

Here is a link to the story 61st UN General Assembly (http://www.un.org/ga/61/news/news.asp?NewsID=23794&Cr=indigenous&Cr1=)


September 14, 2007

Press Release
For Immediate Release:


Ontario Regional Chief Calls United Nations Vote "Historic, and A Significant Achievement"


Yesterday the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration sets out the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples, as well as their rights to culture, identity, language, employment, health, education and other issues. This landmark Declaration was passed by a vote of 143 to 4, with 11 countries abstaining.

"The passage of the UN Declaration marks a truly historic occasion. This Declaration is the result of over 20 years of negotiations and is a significant achievement for not only Indigenous Peoples but all people that value basic human rights and dignity" said Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

The Regional Chief pointed out that the UN Declaration sets out new minimum standards with respect to the survival and dignity of Indigenous people and encourages all First Nation leaders and citizens to use the Declaration in their advocacy and negotiations.

Canada was among the group of four countries, which included the United States, Australia and New Zealand, that opposed the Declaration. "There is a significant disappointment that Canada so strongly opposed the Declaration, especially given that Canada is a country that promotes itself as a leader in human rights within the international community. Their opposition is certainly contrary to a reputation that many Canadians hold dear" stated the Regional Chief.

The Regional Chief indicated that he was pleased with the support demonstrated by the Commissioner of Ontario Human Rights Commission, Barbara Hall. The Commissioner released a statement in the Toronto Star on September 13 endorsing the UN Declaration and calling on Canada to support it in an effort to affirm its "commitment to the rights of Indigenous peoples who are increasingly alienated by the inaction of governments of this country".

Despite the disappointment with Canada's opposition, Regional Chief Toulouse explained that First Nations people in Canada should view the passage of the UN Declaration as an historic milestone. "This Declaration clearly demonstrates that the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms applies to all peoples across the globe. To Indigenous people in Canada this is a victory" said Regional Chief Toulouse.

[1337]

Well I don't blame them. It isn't like the Government is treating them poorly. They get tax breaks, help with education and so on.

I have nothing against natives, my sister was almost married to one with native children.

All i'm saying is that, they do get alot, and they are not mis treated, they have the same rights as anyone else in this country.

We all have the right to work and goto school, build homes, go camping or what ever we want within laws!

If I am missing something then please explain, because I don't see how their Human Rights are violated.

[The Berean]

One provision in it that Canada voted against.

The need to get aboriginal approval before any laws a re passed.

All 450 of the First Nations

Ridiculous.

[GenX]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have nothing against natives, my sister was almost married to one </div></div> /ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rofl.gif

Sometimes pure, unadulterated racism just has a way of showing itself /ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif

[KDawg]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The General Assembly today adopted a landmark declaration outlining the rights of the world’s estimated 370 million indigenous people and outlawing discrimination against them – a move that followed more than two decades of debate.</div></div>
Already the case in Canada.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ambassador John McNee of Canada said his country was disappointed to have to vote against the Declaration, but it had “significant concerns” about the language in the document.

The provisions on lands, territories and resources “are overly broad, unclear and capable of a wide variety of interpretations” and could put into question matters that have been settled by treaty, he said.</div></div>

He ain't kidding. Here's Article 28:

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to redress, by means that can include restitution or, when this is not possible, of a just, fair and equitable compensation, for the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned or otherwise occupied or used, and which have been confiscated, taken, occupied, used or damaged without their free, prior and informed
consent.
2. Unless otherwise freely agreed upon by the peoples concerned, compensation shall take the form of lands, territories and resources equal in quality, size and legal status or of monetary compensation or other appropriate redress.

That sounds nice, but it's very vague and open-ended, and impossible to implement with any practicality. A lot of the document is mamby-pamby milquetoast declarations.

Here's Article 24:
1. Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional medicines and to maintain their health practices, including the conservation of their vital medicinal plants, animals and minerals. Indigenous individuals also have the right to access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services.

Who can possibly have a problem with that?

I ask this in all seriousness: Of what practical use is the UN?

[GenX]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I ask this in all seriousness: Of what practical use is the UN? </div></div>

Question of the day.

Year.

Century.

[1337]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Speedy the Arrogant Parrot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have nothing against natives, my sister was almost married to one </div></div> /ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rofl.gif

Sometimes pure, unadulterated racism just has a way of showing itself /ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif </div></div>

Call it what you want Speedy, your ignorance shows again.

[The Berean]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Speedy the Arrogant Parrot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have nothing against natives, my sister was almost married to one </div></div> /ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rofl.gif

Sometimes pure, unadulterated racism just has a way of showing itself /ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif </div></div>

Yes it does. The USA also voted against this.

[Fisher]

Do First Nations people receive more government spending than other Canadians?

No. In fact, the average Canadian gets services from the federal, provincial and municipal governments at an amount that is almost two-and-a-half times greater than that received by First Nations citizens.

How is this so? “Typical Canadians” get services from three levels of government: federal, provincial and municipal. First Nations deal mainly with one government: the federal government (a relationship is enshrined in the Treaties and the Constitution). First Nations citizens therefore receive less even though the needs are greater. There are huge backlogs in housing, for example, and the housing that is provided to First Nations is generally of a lower quality than that in provincial housing programs. Housing, like post-secondary education, is an area where it might appear that First Nations are getting special treatment. However, these responsibilities stem from the give-and-take negotiations of Treaties and historic rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Q. Are First Nations clients well-served by First Nation Inuit Health Branch?
A. No. There are literally thousands of cases each year where children, adults and elders are denied basic health services that most Canadians take for granted. Unlike the Armed Forces Ombudsman, who deals with medical complaints, First Nations have no one to make an official appeal. As a result, many suffer in silence.

Here are some more misconceptions for those who wish to see the BIG picture,,,

http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=434

[Fisher]

Good Question Speedy! What year, century...

YES!, when will Canada keep a promise? How many years before Canadian people know the true story and become educated about the big picture… The government has tried to exterminate all culture, language, and traditions of natives to try and renege on the promises in question. Here is another example of betrayal; I hope the judicial system works again and again...really,,, the treaties were to bind an agreement to share and prosper together in this country and to date centuries later and with horrible acts by the Government of Canada to deal with natives as problems,,,but, we are still here…

Here is a two century deal still around and will change things because it is a deal Canada wanted, but chose not to follow and fulfill the promises but, only wanted to take the land...here is a lawsuit that is an easy winner...Revenue sharing was supposed to happen since Canada was in 1869,,,what native government would ever need government funding if the promise was kept???
Ontario alone averages 80 Billion a year!!!

Who are the Mushkegowuk Cree?
The Mushkegowuk Cree, formerly referred to as the "Swampy Cree," are the Aboriginal communities in the Ontario James Bay region. The seven Mushkegowuk communities (the Attawapiskat, Chapleau Cree, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Missanabie, Moose Cree and New Post First Nations) operated historically as independent First Nations, and now also work together under an umbrella political organization, the Mushkegowuk Council.

What are the Mushkegowuk Cree asking the Court to do?
On May 22, 2003, the Mushkegowuk filed a lawsuit in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The lawsuit asks the court to rule that a number of federal and provincial laws violate a constitutional commitment made by Canada in the 1870 Rupert's Land Order, to protect the interests and well-being of Aboriginal peoples in the region. The laws which break this constitutional commitment, claim the Mushkegowuk Cree, should not apply to the Mushkegowuk (or other affected) First Nations.

What and where is "Rupert's Land"?
In 1670, Charles II gave the Hudson's Bay Company the right to trade and control "all the lands draining into the Hudson's Bay and Strait." This large region (which encompasses much of modern day Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and parts of Alberta and the Northwest Territories) was known as Rupert's Land. It included the traditional lands of the Mushkegowuk Cree. After confederation in 1867, Canada petitioned England to transfer Rupert's Land and the Northwestern Territory to Canada, to open the region to colonization and ensure that this vast region was not annexed by the United States. In 1870, England passed the Rupert's Land Order which transferred Rupert's Land to the control of Canada on agreed terms (including a commitment by Canada to protect Aboriginal interests in the region).

What is the promise Canada made?
In 1869 and 1870, in exchange for the transfer of Rupert's Land, Canada made the following protection pledge: "That upon the transferrence of the territories in question [Rupert's Land] to the Canadian government, it will be the duty of the Government to make adequate provisions for the protection of the Indian tribes whose interests and well- being are involved in the transfer." This protection pledge was incorporated into the Rupert's Land Order, and became part of Canada's constitution in 1870.What laws are affected?
The Mushkegowuk Cree are asking the courts to rule that a number of key laws affecting natural resources violate Canada's pledge to protect Aboriginal interests, including:·

the federal Migratory Birds Act
the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act
the Ontario Crown Forest Sustainability Act
the Ontario Mining Act
the federal Indian Act
The Mushkegowuk Cree contend that these laws destroy, rather than protect, the historic Mushkegowuk interest in their traditional homelands.

Are the Mushkegowuk Cree asking for a handout?
The Mushkegowuk Council are asking for a promise to kept, not a hand-out. The Canadian people promised that Aboriginal interests would be protected, but instead Canadian laws take away all Aboriginal rights in natural resources. The purpose of the lawsuit is to have Canada and Ontario give back a share of those natural resource revenues and control in northern Ontario. Very large new developments, like diamond mines and logging, are happening on Mushkegowuk lands, but the Mushkegowuk communities receive almost no benefit from those developments. The Mushkegowuk are happy to share those resources with the people and businesses of Ontario, but they do not think that Canada and Ontario can walk away from their promise, and leave the original Mushkegowuk with next to nothing.

[Fisher]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T-pot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well I don't blame them. It isn't like the Government is treating them poorly. They get tax breaks, help with education and so on.

If I am missing something then please explain, because I don't see how their Human Rights are violated.
</div></div>

Total contradiction,,,but I am glad to see your eyes and ears are open to a different perspective,,,

[KDawg]

I thought this thread was about the joke called the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples.

[1337]

I do see your point. It is in the treaty that all resources farm/fished/dug up are to be shared with the people of the land. Such as diamond mining and logging. The only thing I don't understand stand is that I know of some communities where my brother in law is a geologist, they do receive funds.

So why aren't the Ontario natives receving it?