Why Indigenous-Settler Relations is Advocating for the UNDRIP and Bill C-262

Moved by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (#43, #48, 2015), Mennonite Church Canada’s Indigenous-Settler Relations ministry has sought to nurture awareness of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and has specifically advocated for Bill C-262, An Act to Ensure that the Laws of Canada are in Harmony with the UNDRIP. Some within our Mennonite constituency have raised concerns. Is it appropriate for Mennonite Church Canada to champion a private members’ bill and support policy/legislative change at the Federal level?

The following paper seeks to clarify why I (Steve Heinrichs, Indigenous-Settler Relations director for Mennonite Church Canada) have encouraged our community to support UNDRIP and Bill C-262.