AFN Points to Water Priorities on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – Water Canada
August 8, 2017
To mark the tenth anniversary of the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) national Chief Perry Bellegarde expressed his commitment to the full implementation of the United Nations Declaration, including its resolutions that relate to water.
“Today, First Nations stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples everywhere to revitalize and restore our collective rights as peoples and to support one another in that goal,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “This is a day for all governments to recommit to work with us to fully implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration affirms Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination and sets out minimum standards for their survival, dignity, and well-being.”
The AFN recently submitted a report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which highlighted key priorities and concerns, including investments to ensure all First Nations can access essential government services such as potable water and community infrastructure.
