UNDRIP Act implementation

NWAC, through the UNDRIP Act Implementation Project, participates in engagements to inform Canada’s Action Plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

It is NWAC’s hope that the Action Plan will contain specific, measurable actions for responsible authorities (such as government departments) to immediately commit to fulfilling.

Consultation with Indigenous Peoples—and the Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit Trans, and Gender-Diverse NWAC represent—is a living embodiment of the very values UNDRIP advances.

Goals:

Gather feedback, ideas, and direction from our constituents. This will be done through engagement sessions and discussions with experts and grassroot participants on gender-based issues addressed in the UNDRIP.
Establish an advisory group made up of national Indigenous organizations and experts in the field of Indigenous women and Gender-Diverse issues.
Conduct research and analysis on gender-focused actions and legislative amendments.
Communicate priorities for the Action Plan to Canada as part of the Action Plan engagements.
NWAC believes in animating UNDRIP’s rights through robust representation and meaningful engagements with Indigenous Peoples.

Summary

On June 21, 2021, Bill C-15, or An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the UNDRIP Act), became law in Canada.

The UNDRIP Act states the Government of Canada must take every measure necessary to ensure laws in Canada are consistent with UNDRIP through the preparation and implementation of an action plan.

While NWAC believes the UNDRIP Act represents an important step toward reconciliation and recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, we also believe it is of critical importance that Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit Trans, and Gender-Diverse are equally and thoroughly engaged throughout the consultation process for the implementation, and creation, of a UNDRIP action plan.