A positive view of the two days of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Declaration

MONTREAL, Sept. 14, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), the Ville de Montréal and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO give a positive review of the celebrations marking the 10^th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

This celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the Declaration was an opportunity to share the vitality of Indigenous cultures and it enabled fruitful exchanges of views on issues affecting Indigenous People from here and elsewhere. These exchanges were enriched by the special participation of well-known personalities who care deeply about these critical issues. In addition, necessary findings and commitments were made with respect to the due consideration that needs to be given for a greater respect of Indigenous rights. This overview of these peoples' reality has shown the importance of this historic declaration, but also, of the need to maintain an ongoing dialogue to ensure successful nation-to-nation relationships and reconciliation.

In addition to the various conferences and panels presented on several issues of Indigenous peoples, this gathering of international scope has made place for a vibrant and diversified demonstration of the different cultures presented at the outdoor show which took place before a delighted crowd on Wednesday the 13^th in the evening, at Quai Jacques Cartier in the Old Port of Montréal.

The show called "THE VOICE OF NATIONS", listed in the official programming of the 375^th Anniversary of Montreal, is an eloquent expression of the wealth of the invited artists from 7 Indigenous regions of the world as defined by the UN (North America, Central America-South America and the Caribbean, Artic, South-East Asia, Europe-Russia-Caucase, Pacific, Africa).

"The implementation of the Declaration and the recognition of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples also depends on the alliances with those who believe in its principles. I welcome the efforts of the Mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre, who accepted to take on the challenge of reconciliation by taking concrete actions to mark the celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration by the United Nations. We turn to our future with optimism and the success of the last two days confirms the need for us to continue with our efforts of reconciliation", stated Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), producer of the event.

"Yesterday we experienced a historical moment in Montréal. With the inclusion of the white pine at the centre of Montréal's coat of arms and the unveiling of our Strategy of Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, we are embarking on a new chapter in our relations with the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the Montréal territory for thousands of years. By celebrating the 10 years of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Montréal acknowledges the pivotal role it plays on the international stage in the implementation of human rights and the rights of Indigenous peoples on a daily basis. As a Metropolis of Reconciliation, we wish to send a strong message of peace, justice and respect for human rights, all of which are principles to which the city is firmly committed", declared the mayor of Montréal, Mr. Denis Coderre.

"The Commission is proud to have contributed to the success of the celebrations, although it reminded us of all the work still to be done to achieve reconciliation. We are committed to mobilize our networks and partners to pursue those efforts, including in the context of the International Year of Indigenous Languages in 2019", stated Sébastien Goupil, Secretary General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

"The Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375^th Anniversary is proud to have supported the presentation of this 10^th anniversary, which lead to several important historic moments for our city. Another manifestation of Montreal's vibrant character, this event has also allowed for meaningful encounters between indigenous and non-native cultures. Congratulations to the event organizers and partners for this great success", added France Chrétien Desmarais, president of the board of directors, Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375^th Anniversary.

"The Declaration is an essential tool for reconciliation, said Nicole McDonald, a Métis woman and Program Director of Indigenous initiatives at the McConnell Foundation in Montreal. It provides Canada with a path to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to achieve the Declaration's aims and secure a country in which the rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples are promoted and protected".

More information is available on the official website of the event : www.undrip10.org

10 years of international recognition
September 13, 2017 is a date with symbolic importance. It marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of this foundational text by the UN General Assembly. Endorsed to date by nearly 150 countries, including Canada, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the most comprehensive international instrument on the fundamental rights and freedoms of Indigenous peoples (culture, identity, religion, language, territory, health, education, cooperation).

To celebrate and promote the Declaration, the AFNQL, along with the Ville de Montréal and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, are organizing an event at the Palais des Congrès on Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation (registration required). Invited speakers and panel discussions will be on the agenda. The activities during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are open to the public.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is a political organization that includes the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com.

About CCUNESCO
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO serves as a bridge between Canadians and the vital work of UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. By promoting UNESCO values, priorities and programs in Canada and by bringing the voices of Canadian experts to the international stage, the Commission contributes to a peaceful, equitable and sustainable future that leaves no one behind.

About The Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the festivities and socioeconomic initiatives that will mark Montreal's 375th birthday in 2017. With a focus on promoting Montreal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for initiatives that come together to fulfill its mandate: to mobilize the community, implement a funding strategy, manage financial resources wisely, develop an exceptional program of events and promote the festivities.

The Society receives financial support from the Ville de Montréal, the Canadian government and the Quebec government, as well as private funding from twelve Great Montrealers. For more information: 375mtl.com

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To learn more about the Government of Quebec's contribution to the 375th anniversary of Montreal, click here.

Related links: www.undrip10.org

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

Basile Groussin, Responsible for communications on the 10th Anniversary, [phone], [email protected]; AFNQL, Mélanie Vincent, Executive Assistant to the Chief of the AFNQL, [phone], [email protected]; Ville de Montréal, Jules Chamberland, Press Relations, [phone], [email protected]; CCUNESCO, Angèle Cyr, Public Affairs, [phone] ext 4168, [email protected]; Société du 375e, Isabelle Pelletier, Press Relations, (514) 238-417, [email protected]