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…
