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LETTERS: Indigenous rights ignored for too many years now

It’s the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

To the editor,

Ten years is far too long to wait; the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples should be an impossible-to-ignore wake up call to Prime Minister Trudeau that respecting indigenous communities as equal partners is a requisite part of reconciliation and a priority for this country.

I wait impatiently for Trudeau to fully implement the declaration, including the right to withhold or grant their free, prior and informed consent for development projects on their lands and in their waters.

When indigenous communities say ‘no,’ they mean it.

Pilinka Wiseman, Nanaimo

To the editor,

It has now been 10 years since the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and that certainly includes the right to withhold or grant consent for the development of projects on their lands or waters. Yet despite saying that the government supports this declaration, it delays its implementation into law, it now appears they are likely to vote against Bill C-262. This is the height of hypocrisy. It’s time to support the very people who are most concerned about protecting their and our environment.

Josee Duffhues, Ladysmith

To the editor,

It’s time for Prime Minister Trudeau to start walking the talk when it comes to legislating into law the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He has supported it in principle, but not done anything concrete to implement it as yet. That must change as soon as possible.

Don Alexander, Nanaimo

To the editor,

It’s easy to say you support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - but when it comes to implementing this into law, all indications are that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s party will soon vote against legislation to do just this (Bill C-262).

Please implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the right to withhold or grant their free, prior and informed consent for development projects on their lands and in their waters.

Elaine Johnston, Gabriola Island