Argument For
In this exhibit, I aim to illustrate the potential for reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples of Canada through the application of the UNDRIP and a substantial $18 billion investment in fortifying the communities of the Aboriginal people.
The government of Canada (2021), states that the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act came into force in Canada on June 21, 2021. This Act creates a legislative framework to use the declaration in Canada. Developed with Indigenous peoples, the Act requires the Government of Canada to consult and collaborate with Indigenous peoples to take measures necessary to align federal laws with the Declaration, develop an action plan to achieve the Declaration’s objectives and report annually to Parliament on the progress to align laws and the action plans. The action plan includes measures such as addressing injustices, combating prejudice, promoting mutual respect and understanding, and holding Canada accountable for progress through reports and oversight. Figure 2 highlights the words indigenous, people, right, and rights because they are the four most frequent words in the corpus. Using Figure 2 and Figure 3, it is possible to assume that the main focus of the UNDRIP was indigenous people’s rights.
The historic investment of over $18 billion over the next five years to improve the quality of life and create new opportunities for Aboriginal people was allocated to smaller projects with millions of dollars in their budget. The government of Canada (2021), states that $24.2 million was allocated to supporting engagement with indigenous communities on shared justice-related priorities. $18 million was allocated to reviving the Law Commission of Canada to address the systematic barriers faced by indigenous peoples in accessing justice as victims, offenders, and families. $7.1 million was allocated to supporting Indigenous families in navigating the family justice system, as well as those looking for community-based family mediation services. $1.4 million to improve the collection and use of justice-related data. $8.1 million to the Department of Justice Canada to support self-determination of Indigenous peoples through Administration of Justice Agreements. $8.2 million to support the implementation of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments. Finally, $28.6 million would go to the Community Justice Center, which moves justice out of the traditional courtroom and into a community setting which brings together justice, health, employment, education, and social services to address the crime, the cycle of offence, improvement of public safety, and community well-being. These initiatives not only establishes and maintains respectful relationships, but they also heal indigenous people, their communities, and nations by revitalizing their indigenous cultures, family, laws, and governance systems.
Implementing the UNDRIP and reforming harmful sentencing measures reduces the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system in tandem ensures that responses to criminal conduct are fairer and more effective while ensuring that public safety is maintained.