The PLEA: Reading Along with The Barren Grounds

It is populated by a distinct set of beings with a distinct culture. Askí can be considered a metaphor for the land and peoples that existed in present-day Canada before settlers arrived.

Across their journey, Eli and Morgan learn how Askí is governed, how the inhabitants manage and share their resources, and how they practice their spiritual and oral traditions. That is, they learn many ways that the inhabitants of Askí are a distinct people.

Much the same, the United Nations (UN) has recognized the distinct nature of Indigenous Peoples. The organization has created a document called the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, UNDRIP.

UNDRIP recognizes many rights of Indigenous Peoples. It outlines minimum standards that will contribute to the survival, dignity, and well-being of the world’s Indigenous Peoples.

UNDRIP is not a law, but countries may make the rights in UNDRIP the law in their own land. Canada has taken steps towards this. In 2021, the federal government passed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to set in motion a process to make the rights in UNDRIP part of Canadian law.

The Act states that the government must ensure that Canadian laws respect the rights in UNDRIP. To accomplish this, the Act requires the government to create an action plan and implement it. Both these things are to be done in consultation with Indigenous Peoples.

The federal government released their action plan in 2023. Priorities include ensuring that…

• Canadian laws are consistent with UNDRIP
• Indigenous Peoples can exercise their right to self-government
• Treaties are recognized and enforced
• Indigenous Peoples have control of their lands and resources
• Indigenous Peoples have the right to participate in decision-making in all matters that affect them
• Indigenous Peoples are healthy, housed and safe
• Indigenous Peoples have equal rights to education, including post-secondary education, with necessary funding and supports

The Supreme Court of Canada has said that UNDRIP is now part of Canadian law. This means the government, in consultation with Indigenous Peoples, must make sure Canadian law is consistent
with UNDRIP.