2020- 2022 Policy Process | Green Party of Canada
Where GPC membership collaborates to develop our policies
G21-C008 Official Standing of Indigenous Peoples Advisory Circle
Submitter Name
Bruce Weaver
Ratification Vote Results: Adopted
Proposal
The Indigenous Peoples Advisory Circle (IPAC) will deliberate internally and co-develop structures and policies with the GPC leadership, to substantively address Indigenous issues. To achieve this, the following clause will be added to Article 7.2 of the GPC Constitution as follows:
7.2.7 Indigenous Peoples Advisory Circle: An association of Members of the Party as specified by that Unit.
Objective
The objective is to implement GPC’s commitment to recognize and respect Indigenous nations, in the context of free, prior and informed consent, and to respect diversity within GPC, by creating space, with an Indigenous Peoples Advisory Circle (IPAC), for Indigenous peoples to clarify their needs and meaningfully build GPC capacity. To formally recognize the unique and foundational position of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Benefit
IPAC will promote the interests of Indigenous members of GPC and encourage the active and equitable participation of Indigenous peoples, while engaging and empowering Indigenous representatives in the deep reforms needed within GPC and across Canada. IPAC will enrich GPC capacity with advice to the leader and federal council.
Supporting Comments from Submitter
Given that GPC is committed to the United Nations Declaration on Rights for Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Article 5 is relevant to this proposal. “Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions, while retaining their right to participate fully, if they so choose, in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the State."
By creating space within the party structure for IPAC, GPC will address the current gap Indigenous peoples face when trying to have political impact. The complex history of numerous Indigenous communities over millennia, with specific relationships among communities and fundamental connections to land, warrants an Indigenous gathering opportunity. IPAC will evolve its membership and agenda by discussing required shifts that can lead to co-development of impactful policies, with the GPC leadership.
The current ad hoc approach to developing policies to address Indigenous issues lacks Indigenous-led reflections about who to consult and what to prioritize on an Indigenous initiated timeline. IPAC will consider how to include First Nations, Inuit and Metis and their many communities, while also effectively developing policies for positive impacts.
Green Value(s)
Participatory Democracy, Social Justice, Respect for Diversity.
Relation to Existing Policy
Add to current GPC policy.
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It has been great to get to know some of the people in the Circle in my work with the GPC. We do need to make space in our party and make it welcoming for Indigenous people who want to participate in the colonial practice of partisan and parliamentary politics. It is certainly not a safe place for the voices we need to here from most and IPAC will certainly help make that work better.
I always understood it as a Circle but the terms Council and Committee are also being used so possibly someone from IPAC can clarify that for us. Preferably in advance of the plenary of convention.
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