United Nations envoy arrives in Canada to document Aboriginal concerns – MINING.com

October 6, 2013

United Nations’ (UN) special rapporteur on indigenous rights James Anaya, a law professor, has arrived in Canada to survey the problems and concerns of Canadian Aboriginals.

“The idea is to get a first-hand view of the situation of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada by hearing directly from as many as I can,” said Anaya.

With no legally binding authority, Anaya’s job is to promote Aboriginal rights by ‘naming and shaming’ governments into policy action.

The report, which will come after Anaya’s 9-day visit, will include recommendations for the federal government and for First Nations communities.

No doubt land rights and use, including natural resource development, will be listed among the major concerns.

Read more: http://www.mining.com/united-nations-envoy-arrives-in-canada-to-document-aboriginal-concerns-79284/