Introduction
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.
- Section 106 and the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: General Information and Guidance
- Section 106 and the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Intersection and Common Issues: Article 18 and Section 106
- ACHP Plan to Support the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Press release announcing ACHP plan to support the Declaration
- UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - Background
- Announcement of U.S. Support for the U.N. Declaration
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United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The first World Conference on Indigenous Peoples was held on 22-23 September 2014. The meeting was an opportunity to share perspectives and best practices on the realization of the rights of indigenous peoples, including pursuing the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. An outcome document, reaffirming U.N. Member States’ commitment to the rights of indigenous peoples, was unanimously adopted at the conference. For more information: