10th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples- Two Days of Activities to Celebrate the Cultural Wealth of Indigenous Peoples

MONTREAL, Sept. 12, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, is proud to present a program of activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on September 12-13, 2017 at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal.

Montreal, located in ancestral unceded Indigenous territory, will be the host for an unusual gathering of Indigenous cultures to demonstrate the importance of this historic Declaration. In addition to the various presentations and round tables that will provide an opportunity to discuss Indigenous peoples' issues, this gathering will adjourn with a major free show on September 13th at 6 p.m. at the Quai Jacques-Cartier in Montreal's Old Port.

The show, called "THE VOICE OF NATIONS," is part of the official program of Montréal's 375th Anniversary, and will make feature a diversity of artists coming from the 7 Indigenous regions of the world as defined by the United Nations (North America, Latin America, the Arctic, Southeast Asia, Europe-Russia-Caucasus, Pacific).

"The Declaration deserves to be known and the people of Quebec need to understand what it means for our peoples. We want to recognize the contribution of the people who have worked tirelessly until it was adopted by the United Nations. In celebrating the Declaration, we also highlight our cultures, diversity and deep commitment to our peoples' self-determination," said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), producer of the event.

"In this landmark year of the 375th anniversary of the Ville de Montréal, we are preparing to share a historic moment. More than ever, cities have a crucial role to play in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and respect for their rights. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Declaration, which the City officially endorsed at its City Council meeting on August 21st, underscores the international stature of the Ville de Montréal and affirms its pivotal role in the implementation of human rights and the rights of Indigenous peoples on a daily basis," declared the Mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre.

"Strong symbolic gestures and the creation of spaces for rapprochement and dialogue have an important role in strengthening ties with Indigenous peoples around the world. Beyond the celebrations, this 10th anniversary must above all remind us that it is in everyday actions, including those on an individual level, that reconciliation takes flight and draws its meaning," said Sebastian Goupil, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

"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."

For further information, visit the official website of the event: www.undrip10.org

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 promote the Declaration, the AFNQL, along with the Ville de Montréal and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, are organizing the event at the Palais des Congrès (registration required). See www.undrip10.org for more details.

Not to be missed:

• Reconciliation Ceremony
  September 13, 8:00 am, Place Vauquelin (to the west of Montreal City Hall)
  
• Press conference by Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal, and Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL)
  Wednesday, September 13, 11:30 am, Palais des congrès de Montréal
  
• Presentations and round tables on Wednesday, September 13
  For information on the program, guests and themes of the day: https://undrip10.org/en/program/
  
• The Voice of Nations show, Wednesday, September 13, 6 pm to 9:30 pm
  Quai Jacques Cartier (Old Port)
  For the event's schedule and presenting artists: https://undrip10.org/en/old-port-party/

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.

Related links: www.undrip10.org

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador