QNW reacts to the adoption of Bill C-262

Kahnawake, June 1st 2018 – It is with great enthusiasm that Québec Native Women welcomes the adoption by a strong majority of Bill C-262, An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. QNW also wishes to acknowledge the courage and determination of the bearer of this project, MP Roméo Saganash, who worked tirelessly for the recognition by the federal government of this declaration.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is now a law that protects the collective and individual rights of First Nations, and ensures the constitutional recognition of these rights in Canada. Québec Native Women has fought for several years for the adoption of this declaration, namely for article 22, which defends and protects the rights of Indigenous women.

«The adoption of this bill is a true victory, for First Nations and particularly for Indigenous women, and represents a great step forward for Canada. It’s important to recognize the determination of Roméo Saganash, which contributes to our path towards self-determination. However, there is a lot that remains to be done in order for the rights of Indigenous women to be recognized and protected within public institutions, and we look forward to seeing the concrete actions which will stem from this bill, » states Viviane Michel, President of Québec Native Women.

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Source :
Julia Couture-Glassco, Communication Officer
communication@faq-qnw.org | 450-632-0088, ext. 232