Implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Nation-by-Nation and State-by-State
Heidi Bruce, Dina Gilio-Whitaker
Volume 13, Number 1 (2025) 13 (1): 83-102
Keywords Indigenous Peoples, Self-Determination, Governance, Human Rights, International Agreements, Joint Statement, Constitutional Governments, Intergovernmental Relations, Authority Sharing, Inter-governmental Dialogue, Self-government Principles, International Legal Regimes, Cultural Rights and Governance, Inherent Authority of Nations
Abstract
This article explores the critical importance of self-determination, governance, and intergovernmental relations for Indigenous nations within international law frameworks. It emphasizes Indigenous peoples’ inherent right to autonomously determine their social, economic, political, and cultural futures without external interference. The discussions highlight the need for intergovernmental dialogue, conflict prevention, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure adherence to international agreements and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The article advocates recognizing Indigenous nations’ inherent authority and promoting equal self-determination rights on a nation-by-nation, state-by-state basis. Overall, it calls for respecting Indigenous governance principles and fostering collaborative relationships between Indigenous and state governments to uphold human rights and cultural sovereignty in accordance with international legal regimes.
Heidi Bruce
Dina Gilio-Whitaker
Published August 13, 2025
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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