OTTAWA, ON, UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TRADITIONAL TERRITORY, Aug. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency tabled the Fifth annual progress report on implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act), fulfilling a key legislative requirement under the Act.

The report highlights progress made on measures identified in the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, which was developed in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis. These measures support progress in areas such as legislation and policy, service delivery, engagement, and collaboration.

Among the key initiatives highlighted in the report are:

• Establishing the Indigenous‑led Action Plan Advisory Committee to strengthen Indigenous leadership in guiding implementation of shared priorities, while complementing the ongoing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples (Shared Priorities Measure 22)
• Supporting the collaborative development of culturally grounded health service models with six First Nations communities (First Nations Priorities Measures 12 and 13)
• Continuing construction and operations of Aqqusariaq, the Nunavut Recovery Centre, improving access to culturally appropriate substance use and trauma services (Inuit Priorities Measures 13 and 14)
• Introducing the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty Act (Bill C‑21) to support Métis self‑government and strengthen government‑to‑government relationships (Métis Priorities Measure 1)
• Introducing the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act (Bill C‑10) to improve oversight and accountability for modern treaty implementation (Indigenous Modern Treaty Partner Priorities Measure 9)

The report draws on contributions from more than 45 federal departments and agencies, as well as perspectives shared by over 70 First Nations, Inuit and Métis nations, organizations and governments.

The Government of Canada will continue to advance Action Plan measures in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis and across federal institutions to support tangible results for Indigenous Peoples, including through reconciliation, self-determination, and the alignment of federal laws, policies and practices with the UN Declaration.

Quick facts

• The report was tabled on August 19, 2026, and covers the period from April 2025 to March 2026.
• The UN Declaration sets minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples, and was developed over 25 years with significant contributions from Indigenous leaders, including those from Canada.
• The UN Declaration Act, in force since June 21, 2021, provides a lasting framework for upholding Indigenous rights and advancing reconciliation in Canada.
• The Action Plan, released on June 21, 2023, contains 181 measures developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to achieve the UN Declaration's objectives.
• The UN Declaration Act mandates the Government of Canada to take all measures necessary to ensure laws are consistent with the UN Declaration, implement the Action Plan, and report annually on progress.

Related products

• Fifth annual progress report on implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
• UN Declaration Act Annual progress reports web page

Associated links

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
• Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 
• Read the UN Declaration
• Read the UN Declaration Act

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SOURCE Department of Justice Canada