Stephen Harper on Indigenous Issues
TL;DR
Stephen Harper's government resisted international declarations on Indigenous rights while selectively engaging on domestic development issues.
Key Points
His government voted against the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007 due to concerns over sovereignty and resource control.
The government introduced legislation, such as Bill C-45, which sparked the Idle No More movement due to perceived negative impacts on Indigenous rights and environmental oversight.
Critics noted that his government issued an apology for residential schools but simultaneously reneged on the commitments outlined in the Kelowna Accord.
Summary
Stephen Harper’s government maintained a position on Indigenous issues marked by resistance to international frameworks and a focus on domestic governance and resource development, which often drew criticism from Indigenous groups and advocates. A key area of contention was the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP); his government actively voted against the declaration's approval at the UN, citing significant concerns over wording regarding land, resources, and the concept of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), which they interpreted as potentially granting a veto over development projects. While his administration voted against the extension of human rights for Indigenous peoples at the UN, it also engaged in specific international development projects supporting Indigenous youth in other countries.
Domestically, Harper’s government faced significant protest movements, notably Idle No More, which began in opposition to omnibus legislation like Bill C-45 that activists argued diminished environmental and Indigenous rights protections. His government issued an apology regarding residential schools, yet critics argued this lacked concrete reconciliation steps and pointed to policy decisions like reneging on the Kelowna Accord, which had promised significant spending on health, education, and housing for First Nations. The administration’s approach was frequently characterized by critics as distancing itself from Indigenous communities and prioritizing political maneuvering over substantive reconciliation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stephen Harper’s government was among the nations that opposed the final adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007. He held significant concerns that articles within the document, particularly those relating to land and consent, would undermine Canadian sovereignty and the government’s ability to manage resource development.
Yes, Stephen Harper, as Prime Minister, did issue an official apology in 2008 regarding the operation of the Canadian residential school system. However, critics argue that this apology was perceived as hollow by some because it was not followed by concrete actions toward reconciliation or addressing ongoing systemic issues.
The most significant Indigenous-led protest movement during his time in office was Idle No More, which emerged in late 2012. This movement was initially a response to the Conservative government's introduction of Bill C-45, which activists contended diminished environmental protections and Indigenous treaty rights.
Sources6
Stephen Harper’s longest war: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Increased Cooperation on Indigenous Issues - Canada.ca
It's all Harper's fault; The PM's government fails Canada's First Nations at the UN - December 1, 2006
Idle No More | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Canada's Acceptance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Implications for the Inuit
Building a better Canada starts with an anti-racist government
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.