Improving legal rights – Indigenous rights

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Canada signed onto the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). That means Canada has committed to respect: Indigenous rights to land, political autonomy, language, culture and spirituality, the right to be free from cultural genocide, the right to be paid for land that was illegally taken, and more. Read UNDRIP for more information.

At CALC, we recognise UNDRIP as the legal framework for reconciliation, and we support the full implementation of the Declaration in Canadian Law.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released their Executive Report and 94 Calls to Action in 2015.  At CALC, we are very grateful for the gift that Residential School Survivors have given us in sharing their stories. We are committed to implementing the 94 Calls to Action in our legal clinic.

Residential Schools

Learn more about Residential Schools in this booklet from the Union of Ontario Indians, An Overview of the Residential School System.  A national residential school crisis line is available to provide support to former residential school students and those affected.  Call 1-866-925-4419.  The line is open 24/7.

I Am a Witness Campaign

The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society leads the I Am a Witness Campaign to show Canada that people are watching as it continues to discriminate against Indigenous children. In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found that Canada spends less money on services for Indigenous children.

Supporting Jordan’s Principle and Shannen’s Dream

The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society also provides information about campaigning about Jordan’s principle – making sure First Nations children receive the care and services they need, when they need them—without denial, delay, or disruption, and Shannen’s Dream for safe and comfy schools.