United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – UNDRIP
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, celebrated on August 9, and the anniversary of UNDRIP, on September 13, are an opportunity to emphasize self-determination for Indigenous communities around the world and on Turtle Island. Since 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which strengthens the right to self-determination, has been part of Canadian federal law. FNEE’ training programs contribute to strengthening the leadership and self-determination of First Nations.
The new FNEE program in Economic Reconciliation, launched this year, allows Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders to engage in a concrete project.
Marie-Claude Cleary, from the Innu Nation and Executive Director of the Nouveaux Sentiers Foundation, and Eric Deschênes, President of the Toboggan & Co Foundation and a non-Indigenous participant, believe that reciprocity is an essential component of their economic reconciliation project:
“Economic reconciliation is a relationship of equals, a harmonious cooperation based on reciprocity, listening, understanding, and mutual respect. It’s a meeting of two cultures where each brings their expertise and resources toward a common goal.”
Eric Deschênes and Marie-Claude Cleary, both from the philanthropic sector, co-led an economic reconciliation project as part of their training.
Co-led project
Eric Deschênes and Marie-Claude Cleary, both from the philanthropic sector, co-led an economic reconciliation project as part of their training.
Their joint project, rooted in the philanthropic sector, aims to create Nomadic Camps for Indigenous youth on the land. The project has evolved since the beginning of the training, ensuring the involvement and consultation of communities, and will continue well into the future: “At FNEE, we explored a path, guided and accompanied by a blend of culture, modernity, opportunities, learning, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging. This path allowed us to explore the many questions that the camp project raised. We took the time to engage with key individuals to determine the right direction we will take.”
Eric Deschênes enrolled in FNEE’s program to better understand Indigenous realities and cultures. The three days of training in Wendake allowed him to forge connections with the 19 other members of his cohort and were significant in helping him better understand lived experiences. “As a non-Indigenous person, I found it particularly interesting to hear testimonials of successful projects. It gave me a different perspective on understanding the steps and challenges faced by Indigenous businesses,” says Deschênes.
Economic Reconciliation & Reciprocity
Contributing to economic reconciliation also involves creating spaces for dialogue where Indigenous people can share their experiences and visions for the future. The Economic Reconciliation training, which brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, shows how these collaborations can strengthen First Nations economies – a cornerstone of their self-determination.
Marie-Claude Cleary emphasizes the importance of respect and reciprocity in these partnerships:
“Reciprocity is essential. Taking on an approach of listening and learning, through a perspective of knowledge transfer, while recognizing cultural differences.
Self-determination in philanthropy is driven by First Nations leadership. We need to have the means to rely on solutions that come from First Nations, from communities themselves, to address the collective issues we identify as most urgent. This contrasts with solutions conceived and imported from an external system.”
The Third Annual Progress Report on the Declaration, p.99: “In the context of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and as indicated in the UN Declaration, self-determination can be defined as the ability to determine political status and to freely pursue economic, social, and cultural development. In exercising their right to self-determination, First Nations, Inuit and Métis might exercise the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal local affairs and for financing their autonomous functions.”
Happy International Indigenous Peoples Day!
Want to take part in an economic reconciliation program and co-create a concrete project? The next cohort for the Economic Reconciliation program will start in February 2025.
