U.S. Endorses the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples!

Thursday, December 16, 2010, 5:43 PM

U.S. Endorses the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples! This morning, President Barack Obama announced that the United States endorses the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This is an enormously important day for indigenous peoples. There is now a global consensus and this will improve the lives of Indian and Alaska Native nations and indigenous peoples everywhere. Thank you for your faith in our work and your support for this 33-year effort. Robert T. Coulter Commentary: Declaration sets a new agenda for US-Indian relations The United States’ endorsement of the UN Declaration marks the culmination of over three decades of hard work by indigenous peoples and other members of the international human rights community… We can and should use the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a powerful affirmation of our rights. Only through continued use will the Declaration’s provisions become our reality. Read the full statement Reactions from other Indian and community leaders: The work is not over This endorsement is a critical first step towards addressing difficult issues such as violence against Native women, land law reform and protecting the environment. It is a first step to respecting land and water rights, and protecting sacred sites. It also provides guidance to global entities like multilateral development banks, which fund development projects around the world that directly and often negatively impact indigenous communities. More from the Center’s Board of Directors And other Indian leaders For more information, visit www.indianlaw.org MAIN OFFICE: 602 N. Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601 :: ph 406.449.2006 WASHINGTON DC OFFICE: 601 E Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 :: ph 202.547.2800