A/HRC/9/9 page 22 75. Therefore, wide affirmation of the rights of indigenous peoples in the Declaration does not only create positive obligations for States, but also bestows important responsibilities upon the rights-holders themselves. This interaction between the affirmation of rights and the assumption of responsibilities is particularly crucial in areas in which the Declaration affirms for indigenous peoples a large degree of autonomy in managing their internal and local affairs. 76. Positive action by indigenous peoples themselves is by definition required for the exercise of their rights to maintain and develop institutions and mechanisms of self-governance. The Declaration simultaneously acknowledges the economic implications of indigenous self-government or autonomy, affirming indigenous peoples’ rights to State financial and technical assistance and international cooperation in order to exercise their rights and fulfil their responsibilities in this regard (arts. 4 and 39). 77. Notably, indigenous peoples are called upon to exercise responsibilities for the preservation, exercise and development of their cultural heritage and expressions.45 The Declaration further acknowledges indigenous peoples’ inter-generational responsibilities, including environmental stewardship, with regard to their traditional lands, territories and resources (arts. 25 and 29). 78. In exercising their rights and responsibilities under the Declaration, indigenous peoples themselves should be guided by the normative tenets of the Declaration. Implementation of the Declaration will invariably require indigenous peoples’ good faith, active participation in a spirit of mutual cooperation, when States consult as they must with indigenous peoples on matters affecting their rights with a view to obtaining their free, prior and informed consent. The objective for both parties in such consultations should be to reach a mutual agreement that builds harmonious partnerships. 79. The implementation of the Declaration by indigenous peoples may also require them to develop or revise their own institutions, traditions or customs through their own decision-making procedures. The Declaration recalls that the functioning of indigenous institutions should be “in accordance with international human rights standards” (art. 34) and calls for particular attention “to the rights and special needs of indigenous elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities”, including in the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against indigenous children and women (art. 22). With an appropriate understanding of these provisions, the Declaration is a powerful tool in the hands of indigenous peoples to mainstream human rights within their respective societies in ways that are respectful to their cultures and values. 45 Article 12 (1) (right to indigenous religious and spiritual traditions); article 13 (1) (right to their languages, literature and philosophies); article 31 (1) (right to their traditional knowledge and technologies).