United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Creation of this guide was a collaboration between Margo Tamez, Associate Professor, Indigenous Studies Program and INDG B.A. Degree Program Advisor at UBC Okanagan, and Sajni Lacey, Learning and Curriculum Support Librarian at UBC Okanagan Library.

"The Declaration is a comprehensive statement addressing the rights of indigenous peoples. It was drafted and formally debated for over twenty years prior to being adopted on 29 June 2006 during the inaugural session of the Human Rights Council. The document emphasizes the rights of indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations." 

- From "Frequently Asked Question: Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples" 

Canada adopted UNDRIP in 2016, after almost a decade of it being in existence (Fontaine, May 10 2016, CBC)

You can find the full document of the UNDRIP here.

The United Nations has significant documentation as it relates to Indigenous Peoples. Here is a shortlist of other resources through the United Nations to consider with UNDRIP to help provide context:

• Indigenous Peoples at the UN timeline
• United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• Guidelines on Indigenous Peoples Issues