No. We believe that provision will reinforce the importance of those treaties being respected. I think that position has really been borne out--more important than my voice or Amnesty International's voice on this issue--by the voices of indigenous leaders and organizations across the country. For years and years they were actively engaged in the debates at the United Nations as the difficult process of negotiating this declaration was proceeding. They feel very confident that the declaration that has emerged is good for them and consistent with ensuring strong protection of the rights they enjoy already in Canada and helping to ensure that those rights cannot and will not be eroded. This declaration is by no means only about indigenous peoples in Canada. It's an international document, and I think a lot of indigenous organizations across the country recognize how important it is for the rest of the world as well. It has to be supported for that reason also.
On May 26th, 2009. See this statement in context.