The world’s business: supporting indigenous rights

[Working today and yesterday with a group of indigenous political leaders on reducing Aboriginal child poverty in British Columbia.  In a little strategy session today we were talking about the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, the fact that Canada has refused to ratify it, and how, with the world coming to play here next month during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, that this is a good opportunity to let the world know that a global agenda item remains unratified in this country.  So here is is my letter to global visitors joining us for the Games…]

A message to all global travellers visiting British Columbia during the upcoming Winter Olympic Games:

Welcome to British Columbia and Canada!  While you are here for the 2010 Winter Olympics and other events you will notice the incredible land and sea, the deep multicultural integration that Canada is famous for and the presence of First Nations and indigenous arts and culture.

While you are here you might notice some noise about indigenous rights.  You see, in British Columbia, unlike most of the rest of North America, most of the land and sea has never been subjected to a treaty between the colonizing powers and the indigenous Nations that have dwelt here for at least 9000 years.  That’s before the time of the pyramids, to give you a sense of scale.

You might here messages about the unresolved grievances of indigenous communities and you might wonder if any of this is your business.  After all, isn’t getting involved in a country’s internal political disputes a little rude and presumptuous?

Well, I’m hear to tell you that it is not.  One of the great things that happened in the last decade was the creation and ratification of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  After more than 500 years of colonization of the Americas and elsewhere, the world finally declared that indigenous people have human rights that are distinct and important to preserve.

So thank you for that citizens of the world.  And know this: Canada has refused to ratify this.  So in addition to being climate change pariahs we are also pariahs on the recognition of indigensou rights, such as the right to consent to public policy that affects our communities.  That sort of thing.

So, world, welcome to Canada and BC, where some of the fundamentally decent things that are being done by the global human family fail to garner respect or support of our federal government.  While you’re here, I think many of us would be happy if you mentioned this to federal government representatives and, if you an athlete and have influence with your own government, perhaps remind them that Canada needs help getting its priorities straight, as a member of the UN’s family of nations.  As a member of the global family of peoples who have declared that it is desirable that these rights are recognized, it is your business and I for one welcome your thoughts and support.

Enjoy your time in our indigenous territories!