Report Card: How the U.S. Treats Its Indigenous Peoples

Native American Legislative Update - May 2012

Report Card: How the U.S. Treats Its Indigenous Peoples

Countries that sign a declaration like the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) customarily welcome visits from “reporters” or “rapporteurs” who travel in the country and speak with affected people. The rapporteur then submits a report on the nation’s progress toward compliance with the intentions expressed in the declaration. The U.S. has had a visit from United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya, who met with Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian people in various places in the U.S. and with administration and State Department representatives. He was unable to arrange visits with members of Congress, however. A fairly comprehensive statement which he issued at the conclusion of his visit is available here. He is preparing a final report to the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding the U.S. endorsement of the UNDRIP in December 2010.