Overview
This LE asks learners to explore Canada’s progress in addressing the articles in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIPA), which made the original UNDRIP an official part of Canadian law in 2021. Working in groups, learners will research one (or several related) articles within the Act to understand how Canada works to meet the legal requirements of UNDRIPA. Learners will report their findings to the class, who will then make recommendations for Canada as it seeks to fully implement UNDRIPA.
Learners will...
- Gain a global perspective on indigenous rights and experience.
- Understand that Canada is working towards the goals set out in UNDRIP through UNDRIPA, but has not achieved them yet.
- Will see relationships between the Mi’kmaq and the Government of Canada through an international lens.
- Grow their understanding of the power and limits of international law and forums.
- Understand more fully the role of the United Nations in promoting indigenous rights in Mi’kma’kik, across Canada and in the world.
Focus
An introduction on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act has been included in the supplementary materials. Educators can use this introduction to establish context for learners. In groups of 2-3, learners should choose (or be assigned) one or several related articles from UNDRIPA.
From their research, learners will create a report to be presented to their classmates, acting as an advisory group to the Canadian government. The goal is to assess Canada’s progress in implementing the article they have looked into. Presentations include an explanation of the article in question, and updates on its progress. The report will also include recommendations on how to move forward with implementing the article.
Each group presents to the class, acting as members of the advisory group when it is not their turn to report. It is the class’s responsibility to listen well, ask questions about the report and contribute further recommendations for Canada as it seeks to fully implement UNDRIPA.
PE!
It is important that learners have a clear understanding of the following content:
- The Mi’kmaq as the indigenous people of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region.
- Mi’kma’kik as the ancestral homeland of the Mi’kmaq.
- Mi’kmaw core cultural values, such as consensus. (See LE F8)
- Understand the concepts of netukulimk and msɨt no’kmaq. (See LE F4)
- The oral traditions inherent in Mi’kmaw culture and practice. (See LE F10)
- The primary elements of the Peace and Friendship Treaties. (See Treaty- Making introduction, LE T4, T6)
- The core elements of UNDRIP. (See LE RR9)
LE Materials
The materials below support this LE’s activities and knowledge growth. They are designed to be printed on both 8.5″x” and 11″x17″ paper.
Additional Resources
Resource: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
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