The City of Sarnia is establishing a working group to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The goal of UNDRIP is to "constitute the minium standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of indigenous peoples".
Deputy Clerk James Jenkins says it's especially important in our area given the close proximity to Aamjiwnaang, Kettle Point, and Walpole Island.
"In addition to members of the community that might be affected by UNDRIP policies, as well as the various social agencies that might deal with the health and wellness of Indigenous communities, I think the Ad Hoc committee wants to reach out to non-profit and business sectors so that there can be a more active conversation," he says.
UNDRIP has been adopted by 144 countries. Canada and the US initially voted against it but plan to revise their positions.
Anyone interested in sitting on the working group can go to clerks.smartsarnia.com to apply.
The application deadline is November 6 at noon.