Political leaders in the NWT welcome the federal Liberals' introduction of a bill seeking to align Canadian law with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The Liberals introduced on , a piece of legislation that urges the Canadian government to SA国际影视传媒渢ake all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with UNDRIP, and must prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the declaration.SA国际影视传媒�

The Dene Nation hailed the draft bill as representing a SA国际影视传媒渉istoric moment,SA国际影视传媒� with National Chief Norman Yakelaya saying in a statement that it's a significant step forward in reconciliation between Canada and Indigenous peoples.

"For too long, the human rights of First Nations people have been discarded by Canada SA国际影视传媒� and our people have suffered immensely because of it,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭he implementation of UNDRIP charts out a future for First Nations that puts their dignity at the forefront of the relationship with Canada. It sets us on a path to true reconciliation SA国际影视传媒� one where First Nations are not simply surviving, but are healing, growing, and are carving out a future for the next seven generations.SA国际影视传媒�

Yakeleya said the Dene Nation expects the adoption of UNDRIP into law to lead to changes in justice in areas such as the reform of the child and family welfare system; the full implementation of JordanSA国际影视传媒檚 Principle, which ensures Indigenous children full access to government-funded services; actioning the Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; developing distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation; and the finalization of compensation for victims of CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 Day and residential schools.

SA国际影视传媒淭he Dene Nation is committed to working together with Canada to ensure the success of Bill C-15 and to further ensure that the GNWT remains accountable to its commitment to UNDRIP at the territorial level,SA国际影视传媒� said Yakeleya.

Michael McLeod, MP for the NWT, said a lot of people have been waiting a long time for a bill like C-15 to come forward.

SA国际影视传媒淥ne-hundred-and-forty-three countries supported the UNDRIP and Canada should do the same. (The declaration) sets out minimum standards for the survival and well-being of Indigenous people,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Addressing concerns raised by some critics that the bill's legislation could SA国际影视传媒渃hange ConfederationSA国际影视传媒� or could give Indigenous peoples a veto over resource projects, McLeod said the bill doesn't mention vetoes.

In November, Indigenous relations ministers from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick sent a joint letter to Justice Minister David Lametti and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett that criticized the six-week window they said they were given to provide input on the draft bill, .

SA国际影视传媒淎 hasty adoption of ambiguous legislation that could fundamentally change Confederation without the benefit of the widespread and necessary national and provincial consultation and consensus not only risks undermining reconciliation, but will create uncertainty and litigation and risk promoting deeper and broader divisions within our country,SA国际影视传媒� the letter said.

McLeod said such concerns aren't coming from the NWT and that critics can spin the legislation how they want.

SA国际影视传媒淭he Government of Canada already has a constitutional duty to accommodate Indigenous governments and people when it comes to measures that will impact Aboriginal or treaty rights, including resource projects," he said. "The bill doesn't create new regulatory measures. It supports the government's implementation of its constitutional duty.SA国际影视传媒�

McLeod believes the legislation will be good for Canada and for the North, where already in the NWT SA国际影视传媒�50 per cent of the seats on the regulatory boards under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act are held by Indigenous people.SA国际影视传媒�

From the GNWT's perspective, the territorial government is ahead of the Liberals' move, having already pledged in its mandate to implement UNDRIP.

SA国际影视传媒淭he legislative protocol we announced alongside nine other Indigenous governments as part of the Intergovernmental Council (on Dec. 3) is an example of our governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 commitment and support of the implementation of the United Nations declaration,SA国际影视传媒� said Premier Caroline Cochrane. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 about respecting, consulting, and collaborating with Indigenous governments on land and resource management.SA国际影视传媒�

Cochrane said the success of the government and future prosperity of the NWT depends on productive partnerships with Indigenous, community and municipal governments.

The GNWT's decisions must reflect its commitment to reconciliation and the advancement of Indigenous rights and self- determination, the premier added.

McLeod is confident the bill will eventually be passed, though he foresees there could be challenges such as from Conservative senators who SA国际影视传媒渨ill try to derail the process.SA国际影视传媒�