The Land Claims Agreements Coalition of Canada (LCACC) is an alliance of Indigenous organizations that work towards the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights and title. The coalition is made up of 10 Indigenous organizations and was formed in 2003 to address issues related to land claims and self-government agreements in Canada.
The LCACC’s mandate is to provide a unified voice for Indigenous groups in negotiations with the Canadian government on land claims and self-government agreements. The coalition advocates for the recognition of Indigenous rights and title, and for the implementation of those rights in a way that is consistent with Indigenous peoples’ cultures and traditions.
One of the main issues that the LCACC is currently working on is the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Canada. UNDRIP is a landmark document that sets out the rights of Indigenous peoples to self-determination, land and resources, and cultural rights. Canada officially adopted UNDRIP in 2016, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that it is fully implemented.
The LCACC is also advocating for the recognition and implementation of Indigenous land use plans, which would give Indigenous communities greater control over their lands and resources. These plans would be developed through a collaborative process with Indigenous communities, and would be tailored to their specific cultural and ecological needs.
Another important issue that the LCACC is working on is the recognition and protection of sacred sites. Many Indigenous communities have sacred sites that are important for their cultural and spiritual practices, but these sites are often not recognized or protected under Canadian law. The LCACC is advocating for the recognition and protection of these sites, and for Indigenous peoples to have a greater say in decisions that affect their lands and resources.
In summary, the Land Claims Agreements Coalition of Canada is an important alliance of Indigenous organizations that works towards the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights and title. The coalition’s work is essential for addressing the ongoing legacy of colonization and for ensuring that Indigenous peoples’ rights are fully recognized and respected in Canada.