UNDRIP

UNDRIP was passed by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2007 and acts as an international instrument for the respect recognition of the human rights of Indigenous peoples. UNDRIP expands pre-existing rights charters to emphasize individual rights and to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples. Initially, the declaration was voted against by Canadian representatives but in June 2021, Bill C-15 received Royal Assent and the Act came  into force. Now, the Act guides the government of Canada and Indigenous peoples as they work together to correct the past, and to implement reconciliation and cooperative relationships.

For the Métis Nation, the assent of Bill C-15 brings the guarantee of federal law consistent with the act and promises to combat injustice and prejudice. The Canadian state has vowed to work with Indigenous representatives, including those from the Métis Nation, to develop plans to implement the Act. A plan, that will be developed with the interests of the Métis Nation, will include measures to address injustice, promote respect, and eliminate discrimination as well as to hold the state accountable. For the Métis Nation, the passing of Bill C-15 brings the promise for sustained and continued efforts to better understand the priorities of the Métis people. It brings the promise to uphold the human rights of the Métis and to engage with partners from the Nation in doing so.