Sustainable Development Goals

In September 2015, Canada and 192 other United Nations Members States adopted: “Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” The Agenda consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 169 targets, and 231 indicators, which focus on social, environmental, and economic structural inequalities. The vision encapsulated in the 2030 Agenda is that economic development does not have to come at the cost of environmental degradation or the violation of human rights. Rather, sustainable development emphasizes that “peaceful, just and inclusive societies” and “lasting protection of the planet” are the only way forward to addressing contemporary global challenges and crises.

There is clear alignment through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with the Métis National Council’s mission to enhance and promote the cultural, social, economic and political interests of the Métis Nation. The 2030 Agenda is wholistic and targets structural inequities, as articulated in Goal 10, to reduce inequality within countries. This dovetails with the Métis National Council’s long-term vision, that “Métis people are healthy, resilient, grounded in their culture and language, and thriving as individuals and as members of their Métis families and communities.” Like MNC, the 2030 Agenda articulates a framework where working towards sustainable development means that no one is left behind.

But what do these 17 lofty goals mean for Canada and for the Métis Nation? Canada has promised to implement the 2030 Agenda and has made legal commitments to the concept of sustainability in a range of federal laws, as have provincial and territorial governments.

The 2030 Agenda is an opportunity for Canada to make incredible progress on all aspects of wellbeing in Canada and globally. It is crucial to understand that the 2030 Agenda is grounded in the respect, protection, and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Implementation of this Agenda must fully respect international law, and countries are expected to live up to their human rights commitments – including those affirmed in UN Treaty Bodies.

These commitments by Canada further the ability of the Métis National Council to use the 2030 Agenda, along with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the UN Declaration), to ensure that Métis values are respected in any decisions impacting them across the broad spectrum of the 2030 Agenda.

Canada’s commitments to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda include a national strategy for advancing the SDGs released in 2021. This strategy recognizes that “gaps in well-being and opportunities facing Indigenous Peoples” must be addressed to reach the SDGs. Increasing attention on addressing the growing climate crisis and greater awareness of human rights means that this is an important time to leverage the 2030 Agenda, alongside the UN Declaration, as tools to hold Canada accountable to its commitments. The 2030 Agenda is a valuable opportunity for the Métis National Council to contribute and advance their goals both domestically and on the international stage.