Special Rapporteur's Visit

Canada Welcomes Visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous PeopleThe UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous people, Rodolfo Stavenhagen, is visiting Canada from May 20 to June 4, 2004, at the invitation of the Government of Canada.

The Special Rapporteur will visit various parts of the country and meet with government representatives, Aboriginal communities and non-governmental organizations to discuss Canada’s approach to Aboriginal issues.

In Ottawa, Mr. Stavenhagen will be meeting with federal government officials from numerous departments that deal with issues relevant to his mandate. He is expected to meet with authorities from, among others, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, as well as with representatives from the Supreme Court and other relevant actors. He will also travel to Nova Scotia, Québec, Manitoba and Nunavut, where he will meet with federal, provincial and territorial, and municipal officials as well as Aboriginal organizations and communities.

The Rapporteur's findings and recommendations will be presented to the UN Commission on Human Rights in April 2005.

For further information: contact aboriginalplanet@dfait-maeci.gc.ca