We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, have read the draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We endorse it. Indigenous Peoples have been, and continue to be, subjected to systemic and institutionalized racism, and we believe that this Declaration will be an important tool in combating these attitudes and policies. This document, the result of much debate, constitutes a minimum standard in the eyes of Indigenous Peoples and is fully consistent with Canada's other international commitments.

Though debate on the draft Declaration has continued for six years at the United Nations, only two of its 45 articles have been adopted. Many States are still undecided. This situation is unacceptable, and we call for the Declaration to be adopted without delay.

We declare our solidarity with Indigenous Peoples in their struggle for recognition of their rights, including their full status as a “peoples” under international law, which includes the right to self-determination.

We call on the Government of Canada to publicly express its support for the draft Declaration at the World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa (September 2001), and to reiterate this position at every opportunity, in particular at the working group of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Moreover, we call on the Government of Canada to do everything in its power to convince undecided States to support the adoption of the Declaration, as being wholly consistent with the principles enshrined in the other human rights instruments of the United Nations.

Our organizations commit to taking further action. We will strive to convince other governments, and the members of our own organizations and networks, that the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights is essential to the establishment of an equitable relationship founded on peace and the internationally accepted principles of equality and non-discrimination.