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Part of Indigenous relations

Action on UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The Alberta government is committed to renewing its relationship with Indigenous peoples based on trust and respectful engagement.

Renewing the relationship

The UN Declaration is an international instrument adopted by the UN in September 2007 to enshrine rights that “constitute the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world.”

We believe that addressing the concerns, aspirations and priorities of Indigenous peoples in Alberta is integral to strong and vibrant communities fully participating in all matters that concern them.

A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples benefits all Albertans. We have already taken action by:

  • apologizing to residential school survivors and their families
  • committing to mandatory Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum content on the history of residential schools and treaties
  • apologizing to Sixties Scoop survivors and their families
  • supporting the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
  • introducing legislation to start up the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation as a way to improve economic outcomes for more Indigenous people
  • declaring Orange Shirt Day and Sisters in spirit Day to acknowledge and raise awareness about the harms inflicted upon Indigenous people
  • renewing the protocol agreement with the Blackfoot Confederacy

Alberta has engaged with Indigenous leaders and representative groups to explore the UN Declaration principles in ways that are consistent with the Canadian Constitution and Alberta law.

We continue to work together to ensure:

  • Indigenous constitutional rights and First Nations Treaty rights are respected
  • Indigenous Peoples can build more prosperous, self-reliant and culturally strong communities

Current examples of practical ways in which the Alberta government works with Indigenous leadership on some of the issues identified in the UN Declaration are:

  • protocol agreements
  • the legal duty to consult
  • Long-Term Governance and Funding Arrangements with the Metis Settlements General Counsel
  • Métis Nation of Alberta – Government of Alberta Framework Agreement

Contact

Connect with Indigenous Relations:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Contact government

Address for mail/courier:
Indigenous Relations
9th Floor, Forestry Building
9920 108 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 2M4