While exploration/exploitation of natural resources on or near their lands expands, indigenous peoples as a whole are falling behind in terms of economic and other standards in Canada. Now Canada has been asked by UN Human Rights Expert to clarify “what it is doing to address the “dire” socio-economic conditions of the Attawapiskat First Nation aboriginal community, noting that many of its members live in unheated shacks or trailers, with no running water.” (From UN News Center). James Anaya, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples said the situation of the Attawapiskat exemplifies the conditions of many aboriginal communities in Canada. See Film Report: “Indigenous Forum – UN” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/indigenous-forum-un/26962 Huge Gap Between Indigenous & Other Citizens of Canada: The Attawapiskat First Nation is a remote community in northern Ontario comprised of about 1,800 members. Mr. Anaya noted that the poor living conditions are particularly serious as winter approaches the area, which faces winter temperatures as low as minus 28 degrees Celsius. “The social and economic situation of the Attawapiskat seems to represent the condition of many First Nation communities living on reserves throughout Canada, which is allegedly akin to Third World conditions. Yet, this situation is not representative of non-aboriginal communities in Canada, a country with overall human rights indicators scoring among the top of all countries of the world. Aboriginal communities face vastly higher poverty rights, and poorer health, education, employment rates as compared to non-aboriginal people.” Ironically, many of the indigenous peoples of Canada live on resource rich lands – which more than ever are valued and exploited. It may be petroleum, or timber or perhaps minerals. Part of the Attawapiskat lands appear to be on tracts now being explored/exploited for diamonds including by some of the globe’s most notable resource businesses including DeBeers. See Film Report: -“Exploitation, Subjugation, Domination – Indigenous Forum”- diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/exploitationsubjugationsdomination-indigenous-forum/27009 North & South America Concern: The situation of indigenous communities appears to represent a pattern throughout the America’s North and South, Canada to Argentina. Read: -“Indigenous People-Argentina Needs to do More” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/indigenous-people-argentina-needs-to-do-more-by-ambassador-mo/42502. Mr. Anaya asked the Canadian Government to provide details regarding official programs in place to address the disparate social and economic conditions of First Nations communities, as well as the disparate social and economic conditions between and among First Nation communities. “I will be monitoring closely the situation of the Attawapiskat First Nation and other aboriginal communities in Canada, keeping an open dialogue with the Government and all stakeholders to promote good practices, including new laws, government programs, and constructive agreements between indigenous peoples and states, and to implement international standards concerning the rights of indigenous peoples.” Mr. Anaya has served as Special Rapporteur since March 2008. He reports to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in an independent and unpaid capacity. Photo – Attawapiskat Protest for more education Courtesy of revolutionaryfrontlines.wordpress.com/tag/attawapiskat/ By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Bosnia TV” and/or “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter - Follow us at DiplomaticallyX “War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice