COAST SALISH TERRITORY, BC, Nov. 12 /CNW/ – BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould welcomed Canada’s endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). “The UNDRIP sets out international standards that are fundamental to ensuring the survival of our Nations and peoples,” the Regional Chief stated. “We are pleased Canada has endorsed the Declaration and look forward to continuing to ensure its principles are reflected in Canadian law and policy as First Nations re-build our Nations within Canada.”
Regional Chief Wilson-Raybould recognizes that this endorsement is just the beginning and continues, “While endorsement of the Declaration is very important, the real work is translating these hard fought-for rights into practical benefits on the ground in our communities. We must collectively ensure that our communities have the resources and the tools they need so that they can prosper with our peoples enjoying an improved standard of living with practicing and thriving cultures.”
The Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations is elected by the 203 First Nations Chiefs in British Columbia. The Assembly of First Nations is the national political organization representing First Nations across Canada.