A/HRC/51/50
entered into formal juridical relations, via treaties or otherwise, with non-indigenous powers
wish to claim for themselves juridical status also as nations, it must be presumed until proven
otherwise that they continue to enjoy such status.64
34.
Even when their rights are recognized, indigenous peoples are often addressed
paternalistically,65 while their claims for self-determination and autonomy are viewed with
suspicion. 66 A paradigm shift is essential to achieve genuine dialogue and cooperation
between States and indigenous peoples, one based on recognition and partnership, which
would require that States be more willing to share power. The Committee on the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination recommended that New Zealand recognize the obligation to
establish shared governance in compliance with the power-sharing arrangement established
by Treaty of Waitangi.67 States should see power sharing as an opportunity for inclusiveness
and meaningful participation of indigenous peoples in the heart of the government rather than
a threat to its integrity. As stated by the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous
peoples in 2019, “Treaties provide the foundation for the self-determination of indigenous
peoples. Treaty enforcement should go together with the recognition of indigenous peoples
as political entities with inherent powers of self-government”.68
B.
Recognition of treaties, agreements and other constructive
arrangements
35.
The constitutional recognition and protection of treaties, agreements and other
constructive arrangements is an important legal matter. For example, in section 35 of the
Constitution Act, 1982,69 Canada recognizes and affirms existing treaty and aboriginal rights,
while in section 25 it provides further protections from abrogation or derogation that may
result from other rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 70
The interpretation of section 35 continues in courts of law,71 and it is not clear whether other
agreements, even if comprehensive, will receive the same constitutional protection and
recognition as future treaties and land claims agreements that are specifically recognized in
paragraph 3 of section 35.72
36.
In Chile, a draft constitutional reform is under debate, and the expectation is that it
will achieve constitutional recognition of the connection between the self-determination of
indigenous peoples and their right to have their treaties respected by the State and their right
to negotiate new ones.73
C.
Imbalance of power
37.
As stated by the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, efforts by
States to reduce power imbalances bring greater legitimacy to negotiations with indigenous
peoples. 74 For example, States must ensure that indigenous peoples have the financial,
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
E/CN.4/Sub.2/1999/20, para. 288.
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Derecho a la libre determinación de los Pueblos
Indígenas y Tribales, para. 97.
John B. Henriksen, “The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: some key
issues and events in the process”, in Making the Declaration Work: The United Nations Declaration
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Claire Charters and Rodolfo Stavenhagen, eds. (Copenhagen,
International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, 2009), p. 365.
CERD/C/NZL/CO/21-22, paras. 12 and 13 (c).
A/74/149, para. 42.
See https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-13.html#docCont.
See https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-12.html#h-50; see also submission by Canada.
Supreme Court of Canada, R. v. Sparrow [1990] 1 SCR 1075; and Calder et al. v. Attorney-General
of British Columbia [1973] SCR 313.
Submission of the British Columbia Treaty Commission.
Presentation of Francisco Cali Tzay’ at the Expert Seminar.
A/66/288, para. 88.
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