BASES Attends UNDRIP Implementation Summit

This May, representatives from BASES joined community leaders, municipal officials, and local organizations at the UNDRIP Implementation Event hosted at Lambton College. The event, organized by the City of Sarnia’s UNDRIP Working Group, provided a platform for shared learning and dialogue in support of developing an UNDRIP Implementation Plan for the City.

Held just days before the start of National Indigenous History Month, the event served as a timely reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting the rights, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in our region. It offered an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and responsibilities, and to consider how we can work together to foster more inclusive and collaborative relationships moving forward.

UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) outlines global standards for the rights of Indigenous peoples, including their rights to culture, identity, language, and self-determination. The one-day event included an overview of UNDRIP, a presentation by Matt Stone of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, and small group discussions to share personal experiences, ask questions, explore opportunities to increase indigenous awareness and support, and identify actionable steps toward building stronger, more respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.

BASES attended the summit as part of our ongoing commitment to listen, learn, and foster stronger partnerships with Indigenous communities in the Sarnia-Lambton region. As we recognize National Indigenous History Month, we reaffirm our dedication to incorporating Indigenous perspectives into our work on safety, environment, and sustainability, and to supporting continued dialogue, reconciliation, and collaboration.