Minister’s Message

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Declaration Act marks a significant milestone in Canada’s collective journey of reconciliation—one rooted in the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Now and in the future, work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to implement the Act will help ensure that federal laws, policies, programs, and initiatives are aligned with the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration).

This second annual report details the progress made between April 2022 and March 2023 on implementing the UN Declaration Act in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

Last year’s report focused on early efforts to support the participation of Indigenous peoples in the implementation process and the whole-of-government commitment to change how the federal public service works with Indigenous peoples. It concentrated on key deliverables such as developing the draft action plan and identifying potential measures for aligning federal laws with the UN Declaration, in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

Over the last year, work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to implement the UN Declaration Act has continued, and accelerated, across the Government of Canada. This annual report focuses on the progress made towards ensuring the consistency of laws with the UN Declaration, the development of the Action Plan with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and ongoing initiatives, programs, and policies that support federal implementation of the UN Declaration.

Since December 2021, the Government of Canada has continued to consult and cooperate with Indigenous peoples on proposed measures for the Action Plan and for aligning federal laws with the UN Declaration. The Action Plan and this annual report complement each other. The Annual Report reflects back, while the Action Plan moves us forward. Together, they represent the Government of Canada’s commitment to right wrongs, take action, and be held accountable.

I want to thank First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners for their leadership, voices and determination. Together, we will continue this transformational work to ensure that the human rights of Indigenous peoples are upheld today and tomorrow.

There is much more work still to be done. This process is ongoing and will continue in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis as the best path toward better outcomes for all.

We are making tangible progress in ways that will result in significant benefits in the coming months, years and decades. This is challenging work and it is worthy of every effort. Together, we will identify and undertake the changes needed to implement the UN Declaration and build a better future for Indigenous peoples across Canada and for all Canadians.

I look forward to the journey ahead. We all have a role to play in advancing lasting reconciliation. Implementing the UN Declaration will move us all forward on this path.

The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

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