2002:04EM PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN CANADA
Whereas: Canada is a signatory of the UN Conventions on Human Rights (1966) [Political and Civil Rights, Economic and Social Rights] and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1967); and
Whereas: section 67 of The Canadian Human Rights Act (1978) specifically exempts from the protection of the Act, a large body of Indian Act matters which affect all Aboriginal Peoples but especially women’s equality interests in governance on reserves; and
Whereas: some First Nations women are in need of human rights protection in key areas addressed by the Canadian Human Rights Act such as employment and provision of services i.e. housing, health and education; therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy the protection of the human rights of all Aboriginal peoples; and be it further
RESOLVED: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to remove section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act as quickly as possible and to draft an Aboriginal Human Rights Code in consultation with First Nations governments in compliance with the UN Human Rights Conventions.