Demo for First Nations held in Ottawa

Tue Jun 21, 2011 1:54AM

Members of the Tsuu T'ina nation of western Canada at a parade (file photo)

Hundreds of Canadians have taken to the streets of Ottawa to demand equal rights for indigenous people, denouncing the treatment of Canadian aborigines as second-class citizens.

Members of the human rights and social justice organization Kairos gathered on Parliament Hill on Monday, and called on Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government to start acting on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which it endorsed last fall, the Press TV correspondent in Ottawa reported.

Kairos has organized a number of events across Canada to raise awareness about the UN document.

Canadian Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister John Duncan recently announced a new agreement with the Assembly of First Nations to improve the lives of indigenous people.

However, human rights activists say the government needs to take concrete steps to fulfill the principles of the declaration.

Kairos Executive Director Mary Corkery said, “It's clear that Canadians want action on indigenous rights and on the declaration.”

“It's time for Canada to let go of archaic practices and embrace the spirit and principals of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” human rights activist Ellen Gabriel said during the gathering.

In September 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to protect their lands and resources, and to maintain their unique cultures and traditions.

The declaration prohibits discrimination against indigenous peoples, outlines their rights, and promotes their participation in matters that concern them.

About 370 million indigenous people live in the world.

AS/HGL