UNDRIP Engagement Session

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner and the Treaty Governance Office of the Federation of Sovereign Nations held an engagement session on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on Nov. 5 at Wanuskewin Heritage Park Park.

“The goal was to share knowledge and generate discussion, and special speaker Chief Redman shared how his nation is leveraging the UN declaration in affirming their rights,” said Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan Dr. Kathy Walker.

The engagement sessions are smaller, regional events intended to promote discussion among attendees and are capped at 30 people. The event filled quickly.

Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation Chief Rodger Redman and technician Solomon Cyr talked about the work the nation has done on an international level, including creating a sovereign declaration and meeting with the UN Special Rapporteur to address racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples.

“While UNDRIP doesn’t create any new rights, it is a global articulation of inherent and Treaty rights,” Walker said.

FSIN, the Assembly of First Nations, and the OTC provided updates on UNDRIP implementation in Canada, especially concerning the revitalization of Indigenous law and Treaties.

The next session will be held in Moose Jaw on Nov. 16.