UNDRIP with Romeo Saganash

Press Release

May 10, 2016

(Treaty 4 Territory) The File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council invited NDP MP Romeo Saganash to Treaty 4 Territory to share his knowledge & experience with the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), as well as to hear the presentation of his Private Members Bill C-262, which seeks to align the laws of Canada with UNDRIP.

Romeo Saganash is a Cree from Eeyou and NDP MP for Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou since 2011. As a lawyer, founder of the Cree National Youth Council, and former Deputy Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, Romeo Saganash spent the majority of his life working to protect the Inherent & Treaty rights of Indigenous peoples. He was instrumental in the drafting and ultimately the passing of the declaration at the United Nations level. Alongside his work with the NDP, Romeo Saganash travels across Canada, and the world, to meet with Indigenous poeples and Nations on the impacts of UNDRIP.

• UN Declaration – Crucial Need for a Principled Legislative Framework
• UNDRIP-Factsheet
• UNDRIP C262 handout
• Bill C-262 Full Text

During the two-day visit, Romeo Saganash met with the FHQ leadership and heard the discussions around re-organization of the tribal council. After the morning’s discussions, Romeo jumped right into his presentation. He shared his story around UNDRIP and his work at an international level, and proceeded to share the intent of his private members bill.

“The bill essentially is to confirm that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) has application in Canadian law and that core recommendation or call to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to fully adopt and implement the UNDRIP as the framework for reconciliation,” said Saganash.

After his presentation, Romeo Saganash was honoured for his lifelong work to protect the Inherent & Treaty rights of all Indigenous peoples. The 11-member Tribal Council then presented a motion of support for Romeo Saganash’s Private Members Bill C-262, where it was passed unanimously by FHQ leadership.

The following day Romeo Saganash toured the valley and All Nations Healing Hospital. Later in the evening, Romeo ventured to Regina to conduct a public information session on UNDRIP, his knowledge & experience, and the content of his private members bill C-262.

“Since the tabling of the report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the 94 Calls to Action of which No. 43 relates to the (UNDRIP),” said Saganash. “Everybody wants reconciliation in this country. We are all in that mood of reconciliation.”

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