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The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The ACHP encourages federal agencies, State Historic Preservation Officers, the historic preservation community, and the general public to become familiar with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It is important because it expresses both the aspirations of indigenous peoples around the world and those of States in seeking to improve their relations with indigenous peoples.

In 2010, the United States reversed its position and announced that it supports the Declaration. U.S. support goes hand in hand with the U.S. commitment to address the consequences of a history in which, as President Obama recognized, “few have been more marginalized and ignored by Washington for as long as Native Americans-our First Americans.” That commitment is reflected in the many policies and programs being implemented by federal agencies, including the ACHP.

On March 1, 2013, the ACHP took a bold step to adopt a plan to support the U.N. Declaration. One of the commitments in the plan is to inform the historic preservation community about the Declaration. Therefore, we invite you to explore the information included here and to check back for updates and new information.

• Press release announcing ACHP plan to support the Declaration
• ACHP Plan to Support the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Background information about the U.N. Declaration
• Announcement of U.S. Support for the U.N. Declaration

Updated March 22, 2013

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