UN independent expert wants meaningful dialogue between the government and aboriginal leaders

A United Nations independent expert is calling on the Canadian government to have meaningful dialogue with aboriginal leaders, reports the UN News Centre.

Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples James Anaya is pleased with the planned meeting set for January eleven.

Anaya stated that both the government and the First Nations representatives must take advantage of this opportunity to rebuild relationships.

The meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and First Nations Chiefs and leaders will discuss such issues as aboriginal and treaty rights and economic development.

The planned meeting is the result of the Idle No More protests sparked by the hunger strike of Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation.

Anaya emphasized that talks should be in accordance with standards in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

He stressed a portion of the Declaration which states that treaties and other arrangements should contribute to a strengthened partnership between indigenous peoples and the States.

The independent expert will continue to monitor the situation.