CANADA:

Indigenous Peoples have the right to make their own decisions about how and when their lands and resources will be used and developed.

Indigenous Rights & Resource Extraction

This right of free, prior and informed consent, or FPIC, provides a vital safeguard for distinctive cultures and ways of life that have long been marginalized and discriminated against. The right of FPIC is set out in the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and in countless rulings and statements from international human rights bodies. It has also been adopted by influential bodies in global investment, including the International Financial Corporation. However, the government of Canada acts as though the right does not exist. This is a significant problem for the realization and protection of human rights because Canada is at the center of a global push to exploit the resources of Indigenous Peoples lands at home and abroad. Canadas Economic Action Plan predicts

that 600 new large-scale resource development projects will get underway across Canada in the next decade. Many will impact the lands and territories of Indigenous Peoples. At the same time, through trade agreements and direct support to corporations, the federal government is promoting rapid expansion of mining, oil and gas, and other extractive industries around the world. Indigenous Peoples in countries like Colombia and Guatemala already experience widespread and brutal violations of their rights. Canadian resource and mining companies have secured government permits to operate in Colombia. When Indigenous Peoples raise concerns, their complaints are ignored. When they express opposition to projects, they are threatened, attacked and sometimes killed. Through the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, the Canadian government is promoting further expansion of these operations without human rights guarantees.

In Guatemala too, a disturbing pattern is emerging of violence and intimidation of human rights defenders who oppose mining in their communities. United Nations experts note that Guatemalan human rights defenders face extremely serious risks when they oppose development projects, including killings and attempts on their lives. Canadian companies are involved in most major mining projects in Guatemala, and receive diplomatic and political support from the Government of Canada. Urge Canada to help safeguard the human rights of Indigenous peoples affected by resource extraction projects at home and abroad. Activate your pens and your keyboards! Please write a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Start with Dear Prime Minister. Describe who you are and what concerns you about how Canadian resource and mining companies encroach on Indigenous lands often without respecting their right to free, prior and informed consent. Ask the federal government to recognize and respect the right to free, prior and informed consent. Send your letter to: Prime Minister Stephen Harper Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2 Postage: None required Fax: (613) 941-6900 Via website: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/contactpm

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