MAKING SPACE FOR INDIGENOUS YOUTH TO LEAD UNDRIP IMPLEMENTATION

Indigenous youth we met and spoke with during our engagement were clear about what they wanted to see from and during UNDRIP implementation: they asked for the government to go beyond the distinctions between First Nations, Métis and Inuit; to think intersectionally, intergenerationally, and in a community-based way about the needs of Indigenous peoples

They repeatedly asserted their mistrust in the Government’s ability to carry out this work and produce results that will meaningfully, measurably uplift Indigenous communities. We had robust discussions about the need for accountability and constant reporting back on the Action Plan’s progress directly to Indigenous youth and their communities, and the need for that communication to be accessible.

We are glad to see that the Action Plan contains some measures related to monitoring implementation of its 180 actions (p. 27-28), including establishing an “independent Indigenous rights monitoring, oversight, recourse or remedy mechanism” (p. 27). Other accountability-related actions include publicly reporting on progress annually, identifying indicators of success together with Indigenous peoples, and updating the action plan every 5 years.

As an organization that centers Indigenous youth realities and wisdom in all our advocacy and programming, CRE also welcomes the government of Canada’s recommitment to Call to Action 66. As a key step to reconciliation, Indigenous youth continue to call for consistent and adequate resources and spaces for youth-led programs and spaces that directly meet their distinct needs.

CRE will continue to advocate for youth to lead and inform all of these processes.