10th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

A GRANDIOSE EVENT TO CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MONTREAL, Aug. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - On September 13, Montreal's Old Port will come alive with the sound of Indigenous drumming in an international event, that is part of the official program of the 375th anniversary of Montreal, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples.

Called "THE VOICE OF NATIONS," the outdoor concert will feature a number of renowned Indigenous artists including Florent Vollant, Moose Town Singers, Tundra Circus, Flavia Nascimento, Maïssa Camara and many others. Hosted by Nadine St-Louis and Charles Bender, the free concert will also feature The Jerry Cans band in collaboration with POP Montreal and DestiNATIONS. Seven Indigenous regions of the world as defined by the UN (North America, Central America-South America the and Caribbeans, Arctic, Southeast Asia, Europe-Russia - Caucasus, Pacific, Africa) are going to be represented, honoring the cultures of the world's 370 million Indigenous peoples.

"The event will be a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and reconciliation to mark the 10th anniversary of the most important international instrument for the recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples," said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL).

10 years of international recognition
September 13, 2017 is a date with symbolic importance. It marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of this foundational text by the UN General Assembly. Endorsed to date by nearly 150 countries, including Canada, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the most comprehensive international instrument on the fundamental rights and freedoms of Indigenous peoples (culture, identity, religion, language, territory, health, education, cooperation ...).

To celebrate and raise awareness about the Declaration, the AFNQL, along with the Ville de Montréal and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, are organizing tan event at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal on Indigenous rights and reconciliation (mandatory registration). The program includes guest speakers and panel discussions.The 10th anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is addressed to all interested or concerned citizens.

"The city council of the Ville de Montréal unanimously endorsed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on August 21st. More than ever, cities have a crucial role to play in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, which begins with respecting their rights. This is why the Ville de Montréal is proud to be associated with this event and to invite Montrealers to celebrate together, in the spirit of the 375th," declared Montreal's Mayor, Denis Coderre.

"Recognizing the rights and aspirations of Indigenous peoples is an essential step in the reconciliation process," declared Sébastien Goupil, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. "We must help create the conditions to strengthen ties between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It is in this spirit that the Commission joins in with these important celebrations that will also contribute to the outreach of knowledge and cultures several thousand years old."

"The Declaration is an essential tool for reconciliation", said Nicole McDonald, a Métis woman and Program Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the McConnell Foundation in Montreal. "It provides Canada with a path to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to achieve the Declaration's aims and secure a country in which the rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples are promoted and protected."

Further information at the official event website: www.undrip10.org

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is a political organization that includes the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com.

About CCUNESCO
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO serves as a bridge between Canadians and the vital work of UNESCO ? the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. By promoting UNESCO values, priorities and programs in Canada and by bringing the voices of Canadian experts to the international stage, the Commission contributes to a peaceful, equitable and sustainable future that leaves no one behind.

About The Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the festivities and socioeconomic initiatives that will mark Montreal's 375th birthday in 2017. With a focus on promoting Montreal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for initiatives that come together to fulfill its mandate: to mobilize the community, implement a funding strategy, manage financial resources wisely, develop an exceptional program of events and promote the festivities.

The Society receives financial support from the Ville de Montréal, the Canadian government and the Quebec government, as well as private funding from twelve Great Montrealers. For more information: 375mtl.com

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To learn more about the Government of Quebec's contribution to the 375th anniversary of Montreal, click here.

Interviews: Opportunities for interviews are possible with Luc-Vincent Savard, artistic director, as well as the artists Florent Vollant, The Jerry Cans and Flavia Nascimento.

Related links: www.undrip10.org

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador