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As part of an international event that is part of the official program of the 375th anniversary of Montreal, the city will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples.
“THE VOICE OF NATIONS” outdoor concert will be held on Sept. 13 at Old Port, and will feature Indigenous artists, including Florent Vollant, Moose Town Singers, Tundra Circus, Flavia Nascimento, Maïssa Camara.
Hosted by Nadine St-Louis and Charles Bender, the free concert will also feature The Jerry Cans.
Seven Indigenous regions of the world as defined by the UN (North America, Central America–South America the and Caribbeans, Arctic, Southeast Asia, Europe–Russia – Caucasus, Pacific, Africa) are going to be represented, honoring the cultures of the world’s 370 million Indigenous peoples.
“The event will be a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and reconciliation to mark the 10th anniversary of the most important international instrument for the recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples,” said Ghislain Picard, chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL).”
September 13, 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of UNDRIP by the UN General Assembly. Endorsed to date by nearly 150 countries, including Canada, the Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the fundamental rights and freedoms of Indigenous peoples, Picard continued.
The AFNQL, along with the Ville de Montréal and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, are organizing an event at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal on Indigenous rights and reconciliation (mandatory registration).
The program includes guest speakers and panel discussions.
“The city council of the Ville de Montréal unanimously endorsed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on Aug. 21,” said Montreal’s Mayor, Denis Coderre.
“More than ever, cities have a crucial role to play in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, which begins with respecting their rights. This is why the Ville de Montréal is proud to be associated with this event and to invite Montrealers to celebrate together, in the spirit of the 375th.”
“Recognizing the rights and aspirations of Indigenous peoples is an essential step in the reconciliation process,” said Sébastien Goupil, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.
“We must help create the conditions to strengthen ties between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It is in this spirit that the Commission joins in with these important celebrations that will also contribute to the outreach of knowledge and cultures several thousand years old.”
Further information at the official event website: http://www.undrip10.org