Minister Miller and Minister Hajdu attend the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

New York, Traditional Lenape Territory, NY, April 26, 2024 /CNW/ -Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of CrownIndigenous Relations, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, continued their participation at the 21st session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). The theme of this session is Indigenous Peoples, business, autonomy and the human rights principles of due diligence including free, prior and informed consent.

Before the Forum began on Monday morning, Minister Miller, Minister Hajdu and Ambassador Rae all participated in a morning ceremony with the Indigenous Elders who shared their thoughts and guidance with the Canadian delegation throughout the UNPFII session.

To start the important work of the delegation off, Minister Miller delivered remarks for the opening ceremony where he addressed Canada's first appearance at the Permanent Forum since the confirmation of unmarked burial sites at former residential schools last summer, and emphasized the Government of Canada's commitment to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers also addressed the group with their hopes for the work ahead.

As the head of the Canadian delegation, Minister Miller attended the opening session of the Forum, along with Indigenous representatives, Member States, human rights and other expert bodies, academics and non-governmental organizations.

Canada also hosted a welcome reception for Canadian delegates, as well as Indigenous and Civil Society representatives from Canada, where Ambassador Rae addressed the group, followed by Minister Miller, words from Elders and a drumming song from a Tsilhqot'in cultural ambassador. Aluki Kotierk provided the keynote and Minister Hajdu gave closing remarks.