The Constitution Express was a 3000 mile trek to the seat of the federal government. The purpose of this journey was to tell Trudeau and his government that the Indian people have rights as the first inhabitants of this land, and that these rights have been guaranteed by treaty and historical agreement between Indian Nations and the British Government.
The UBCIC’s mandate is to work towards the implementation, exercise and recognition of our inherent Title, Rights and Treaty Rights and to protect of our Lands and Waters, through the exercise, and implementation of our own laws and jurisdiction.The UBCIC strengthens Indigenous Nations to assert and implement their Aboriginal Title, Rights, Treaty Rights and Right of Self-Determination as Peoples. The UBCIC works collectively amongst Indigenous Nations in B.C. and to act as an advocacy body to provide a cohesive voice (regionally, nationally and internationally) in support of Indigenous Nations and communities, and to promote and protect each Nation’s exercise of Sovereignty within their traditional territories.
The UBCIC upholds the principles and standards articulated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) for the establishment and maintenance of a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of Indigenous Peoples. The UBCIC advocates for Indigenous Peoples’ Right of Self-Determination under international law including to freely determine their political status and pursue economic, social and cultural development. The UBCIC affirms Indigenous rights to own, use, develop and control our lands, waters and resources, according to our own laws, and the requirement of states to give legal recognition and protection to these rights.
The UBCIC seeks to provide open, respectful communications with membership and people of the land and citizens of the Province. The UBCIC is collectively directed by Indigenous Nations and communities, to support and strengthen Indigenous governments in the exercise of our inherent rights and responsibilities, including in the areas of political, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual Sovereignty and development.
Our Aboriginal Rights Position Paper represents the foundation upon which we, the Indian people of British Columbia, will negotiate a better relationship within Canada. ... Our people have consistently said that our Aboriginal Rights cannot be bought, sold, traded or extinguished by any government.
Talk show discussing issues of the patriation of the Constitution and Aboriginal rights in the constitution. Appearances by Chief Robert Manuel, Chief Wayne Christian, and Chief Saul Terry.
Set of interviews conducted by Vicki Lynne George in 2005-2006 forms an archive of the recollections of those who participated in the Constitution Express. | Hosted by the Internet Archive.
