US supports Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Message from the Indian Law Resource Center's Board of Directors:

Dear Friends,

The United States endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a momentous step towards achieving justice for indigenous peoples around the world.  The Indian Law Resource Center board and staff celebrate this hard fought victory.  International human rights law now recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples as peoples, including rights of self-determination, property, and culture. 

The Center is proud to have been a part of this process for more than 30 years.   But even with this endorsement, we know the work is not over.   In order for the principles of the Declaration to become a reality, we must continue to fight for reform of  the many unfair laws and policies that still apply to Indian peoples in this country.  The Declaration will help us evaluate these laws and set better standards for the future.  It will also serve as a guide for improving government-to-government relationships between the United States and Indian nations.

We believe this endorsement is a critical first step towards addressing difficult issues such as violence against Native women, Land Law reform and protecting the environment.  It is a first step to respecting land and water rights,  and protecting sacred sites.   It also provides guidance to global entities like multilateral development banks, which fund development projects around the world that directly and often negatively impact indigenous communities.

Thank you to all of the leaders and government officials who have made this vision of justice and freedom for indigenous peoples a reality.  We hope that together we can continue to work towards justice for indigenous peoples. 

Sincerely,

The Indian Law Resource Center Board of Directors: