Introduction to Indigenous Rights

Discussion on Indigenous rights can be confusing. This usage of the same term by different people to mean different rights. Hidden within that confusion can be purposed misdirection. Are Aboriginal rights under section 35 the same as sovereign Indigenous Immemorial rights? Is Aboriginal title the same as Indigenous sovereignty over land? What are international Inherent rights? Questions go on...

We have broken down rights and clarified terms used to remove confusion. There are Indigenous rights, Crown rights, Indigenous-related rights and international rights. We use the terms: Immemorial rights for sovereign Indigenous rights; Crown-granted Fiduciary, Constitutional, Aboriginal, Treaty and Aboriginal title are referred to as Indigenous-related rights; finally, we use the term Inherent rights interchangeably with international rights associated with the United Nations.

• Immemorial rights for sovereign Indigenous rights;
• Indigenous-related rights for Crown-granted Fiduciary, Constitutional, Aboriginal, Treaty and Aboriginal title rights; and,
• Inherent rights for international rights associated with the United Nations.

Please, take time to read through our rights sections to understand Indigenous rights. Indigenous rights may not be what they appear to be at first. For example, section 35 creates an alternate rights regime which disqualifies Indigenous Peoples from accessing their Inherent international rights. See the navigation bar to select pages.