US Plans Consultation on Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

US State Department plans consultation over Indigenous rights

US and Canada only countries in world denying Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
http://www.indianz.com/
Photo copyright Ben Powless, Mohawk, at the Cochabamba, Bolivia Climate Conference

The Department of State plans to consult tribes about the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The department will hold meetings with tribes but the schedule has not been announced. Written comments are being accepted until July 15.
The United States was one of four nations that voted against the declaration in November 2007. Australia and New Zealand have changed their stances, leaving the U.S. and Canada as the only holdouts.
But the Obama administration is reconsidering. Susan Rice, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, announced a shift in thinking in a speech at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in April.

US Dept of State Creates new website
 http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/06/142662.htm
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
June 4, 2010
The Department of State has created a new website to enable public input during the U.S. review of its position on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. On April 20, 2010, United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Susan E. Rice announced at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues that the United States has decided to review the U.S. position on the Declaration.
The Administration recognizes that, for many around the world, this Declaration provides a framework for addressing indigenous issues. During President Obama's first year in office, tribal leaders and interested non-governmental organizations (NGOs) encouraged the United States to reexamine its position on the Declaration - an important recommendation that directly complements our commitment to work together with the international community on the many challenges that indigenous peoples face.
As part of the U.S. government’s review, the U.S. Department of State, together with other Federal agencies, will be hosting consultations with federally-recognized tribes and dialogues with interested NGOs and other stakeholders. The consultation and meeting schedules will be listed on the website located at http://www.state.gov/s/tribalconsultation/declaration/index.htm . Tribal leaders, NGOs, and others are encouraged to contribute to the review by emailing us at Declaration@state.gov, or by submitting comments via mail to the Department of State at: S/SR Global Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street N.W., Suite 1317, Washington, D.C. 20520. Written comments are requested by July 15, 2010 to ensure that they can be given due consideration in the review.