New York, NY - Unceded territory of the Lenape - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
The strong voices of Indigenous youth are changing communities, challenging the status quo, and taking the lead in building a better, fairer, and more sustainable future for all people in Canada. Today, Indigenous leaders, youth, and community representatives, alongside Canadian federal officials and those from member states from around the world, came together for the opening of the 23rd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
Over the span of 10 days, participants will gather as part of an ongoing international dialogue on Indigenous rights and issues across the globe. The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, led Canada's delegation to UNPFII, which includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis Elders and youth. This year's theme, focused on emphasizing the voices of Indigenous youth, provides the opportunity for an inter-generational dialogue on a variety of topics, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Advocacy at the United Nations (UN) by Indigenous youth is essential given their diverse and valuable perspectives in areas such as enhancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples at the UN. Canada continues to support the goal of creating a new category for Indigenous participation at the UN since the issue was last negotiated in 2017.
To highlight the importance of dialogue, Minister Anandasangaree, the Tŝilhqot'in Nation, and the Indigenous Coordinating Body on Enhanced Participation co-hosted an event between Indigenous leaders and youth from across the globe. This event highlighted current efforts being made to promote the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in global policy and decision-making and to ensure that the unique perspectives, knowledge, and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous youth, are brought to the forefront of international discussions.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 66 calls for the federal government to establish multi-year funding for community-based youth organizations to deliver programs on reconciliation, and establish a national network to share information and best practices. Since 2019, Canada has invested in a five-year Indigenous youth pilot program, led by an Indigenous youth organization called Indigenous Youth Roots. Canada continues to empower Indigenous youth and promote greater inclusion in policy-making, and there is more to do. Indigenous youth also play an important role in the implementation of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, which ensures sustained and continued efforts to uphold the human rights of Indigenous Peoples now and in the future. The active participation of Indigenous youth in the consultation and cooperation process for the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, including the measures that specifically respond to the rights of Indigenous youth, further supports the inclusion of Indigenous youth in transformational work that will move the dial forward on reconciliation. Meaningful work is underway, but there is more to do.
It is essential that Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous youth, have the space to speak in their own voices on the issues affecting them and their communities, which will ultimately lead to better outcomes for all generations ahead.
