Aboriginal leaders in Hobbema for UN meeting

Indigenous leaders and experts from around the world are in Hobbema, Alta., this week for a United Nations’ seminar on treaty rights.

The fact that the United Nations is holding meetings on the Samson Cree First Nation is an achievement in itself, said Willie Littlechild, the regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

He’s hoping Ottawa will take note of the issues raised, especially improving education and stemming dropout rates.

Some simple changes to the education system could help, Littlechild said. "Looking at the curricula to see that they’re more culturally relevant, for example, I think it would translate into better results in the future."

Hone Harawira told the participants about the struggles of his Maori people in New Zealand.

"The indigenous nations of the world are brothers and sisters in the same family. We need to bond together so that we become a force in the world of nations," he told CBC News.

"It can get very depressing but when you hear somebody like us come and start talking about what we’re doing, it gives them a spark, it gives them hope."

The seminar, which began Tuesday, wraps up Friday.

See also: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: Expert seminar in Hobbema