Additional Information
-Beyond Borders

Self-Government Agreement with Canada

UNPFII (United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues)

Twenty-first Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Agenda Item 4
28-29 April 2022

Clément Chartier QC
Ambassador, Manitoba Metis Federation

I am here as the Ambassador of the Manitoba Métis Federation - the National Government of the Red River Métis, responsible for International and Inter-Nation Affairs.

I will focus on advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples in respect to Goal 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals which is "Partnership."

In July 2021, the Manitoba Métis Federation entered into a Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement with the Government of Canada. In this agreement, the Government of Canada acknowledged that the Manitoba Métis Federation is the representative government of the Red River Métis and that we are responsible for providing responsible and accountable government for our citizens whether living in or outside of Canada.

This is how we build partnerships between Indigenous peoples and States: through respect for our inherent rights, and through recognition of our systems and institutions of governance.

I commend the Government of Canada for recently passing national legislation to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Importantly, that legislation incorporates the standards of the UN Declaration itself, committing the Government of Canada to move forward in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples. We look forward to partnering with the Government of Canada on this initiative.

We are also continuing to develop partnerships with other Indigenous nations in Canada and throughout the Americas. One of my responsibilities as Ambassador of the Métis Nation is to help build those relationships.

In March 2018, Indigenous leaders from South, Central, and North America and the Caribbean formed the American Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP). I am honoured to serve as the President of ACIP, which helps to share information and to foster collaboration. ACIP is particularly focused on the Organization of American States and the implementation of the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples though its Plan of Action.

This year, in advance of the 2022 Summit of the Americas, we propose to host a virtual Indigenous Peoples Summit of the Americas, to support more effective engagement of Indigenous peoples in that process. We seek to have broad representation of women, youth, Elders, persons with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. We hope to have confirmation of financial support from the government of Canada in the coming days.

We hope to have the opportunity to formally present within the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles the week of June 6^th to 10^th. I encourage all State delegates from the Americas present here today to support the meaningful participation of Indigenous peoples, not only at the Summit of the Americas, but at all regional and international fora that impact the human rights of Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas.

Marsii. (Thank you.)

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