United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

This declaration was adopted in 2007. Initially Canada voted against it, but later signed. This declaration is non-binding, but is considered to be an important step in recognizing the rights of indigenous people and their important role in the global community (7). 

The CEAA, under obligation of law, consults with indigenous peoples on environmental issues which could impact them, and their treaty rights (4). The CEAA sometimes asks for involvement of indigenous groups though use of their TEK, and for input on any other concerns that indigenous groups may have with proposed projects (4).

COSEWIC has recognized the importance of the voice of indigenous peoples in their organization, which identify and classify species at risk in Canada (8). Out of a voting committee of 31, 1 of the voting members is from their Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Subcommittee (8). The subcommittee members are consulted when a species status report is being assessed (8).

IUCN brings many organizations together including government, NGOs, and indigenous peoples to develop strategies to conserve nature. In partnership with WWF and Cardiff University they published a document called Indigenous and Traditional Peoples and Protected Areas: Principles, Guidelines and Case Studies, which set out their goals for working with indigenous people (9).

WWF is a NGO that works all over the world to protect and conserve nature (10). Their projects often include participation of indigenous people, and by protecting many of these high biodiversity areas they also protect the culture and resources of the indigenous peoples that live there (10).

A quote from a UN press release states: “[the declaration] prohibits discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them, and their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own visions of economic and social development.” (7)  Although the declaration does not specifically address conservation, it underscores the importance of indigenous people’s involvement in projects that concern them, like development of protected areas. It is also a starting point for the development of laws which will protect the rights of indigenous people and their land.