Consultation and Meeting on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Key information learned from the July 7-8, 2010 consultations
Chief Darwin Hill, Tonawanda Seneca Nation, addresses U.S. Department of State officials in Washington, D.C. on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Key information learned from the July 7th and 8th consultations:
:: The U.S. State Department is asking for Indian and Alaska Native Leaders and governments to send in written comments as soon as possible for review by appropriate government agencies. The State Department has asked that comments, if possible, include responses to the following questions:
- How is the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples important to your Indian nation?
- If the U.S. endorses the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, what effects would it have for citizens of your Indian nation? How would it make a difference or benefit your nation?
:: Fifteen government agencies are participating in the review process and have been directed to assess how the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is currently/ or could in the future be reflected in agency laws and policies.
:: The consultations with Indian and Alaska Native governments are a top priority of the Obama administration and particularly for Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State.
:: No timeline has been established for completion of the review, but the White House has pledged a speedy process.
:: Additional consultations will take this fall, in late September or October; no exact dates have been established at this time.
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