Adopted in 2007, UNDRIP provides a basis for understanding Reconciliation and building the foundation for cooperative relations rooted in respect, good faith, justice, affirmation, and non-discrimination. The United Nations formed the Working Group on Indigenous populations in 1982, and a first draft of UNDRIP was approved in 1994. Revisions and accommodations were made to the document over the span of 1994 and 2006 when the United Nations Human Rights council adopted the declaration. 

In 2007, when the declaration was adopted, Canada was one of four countries to vote against UNDRIP. It was only later, in 2010, that Canada “endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in a manner fully consistent with Canada’s Constitution and laws.” In 2016, it was endorsed “without qualification and committed to its full and effective implementation.”

Every article in UNDRIP should be read carefully, intentionally, and mindfully. This document can provide a starting point for people and outdoor organizations to begin or progress reconciliation. While all articles are important, we have highlighted some that may be especially relevant to outdoor recreation on trails established on Unceded Lands or Treaty Lands. Consider these articles as you recreate, trail build, and communicate. 

• Article 24.2: Indigenous individuals have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
• Article 25: Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands, territories, waters and coastal seas and other resources and to uphold their responsibilities to future generations in this regard.
• Article 26-1. Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired.
• Article 26-2. Indigenous peoples have the right to own, use, develop and control the lands, territories and resources that they possess by reason of traditional ownership or other traditional occupation or use, as well as those which they have otherwise acquired.
• Article 32.1: Indigenous peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for the development or use of their lands or territories and other resources.

How can outdoor organizations & trail networks use trails to improve access for indigenous peoples to the lands, territories, and resources they have been stewards of since time immemorial?