If you are 18 and under, Canadian law protects your rights.  As a youth, the Government of Canada says you have the right to things that make your life better and safer.  For example, you have the right to protection from abuse of all kinds, the right to be heard and included in decisions that affect you, the right to education and culture, and much more.  The issue of rights sounds a little bit complicated (all these big words and long explanations), but really it is quite simple; if you don't know about your rights, you won't be able to make sure they are being respected....  So read on and find out about what's out there for Inuit youth!

"Inuit you should have a voice.  We have a lot to say.  We know what we need, we just have to be given a chance." Anna

"...a child who is indigenous shall not be denied the right...to enjoy his or her own culture, to profess and practice his or her own religion, or to use his or her own language" 
Article 30

Governments will protect the child from "all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment,  maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse..." 
Article 19

  The rights of Aboriginal children and youth are protected by an international document that Canada signed in 1991.  This document is called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and 191 countries around the world have signed it (only the USA and Somalia have not signed it).  When the government signed this document, it committed to respecting children and youth rights at all levels of Canadian society (like legislation, policies and programs).  The Convention has 43 articles that spell out what types of rights you have.  This document is the most ratified international treaty in the world's history: it is a one-of-a-kind document, one of the most powerful voice to protect children and youth of the world.

Around the world, children and youth are often exploited and abused, and live in poverty or danger.  Aboriginal children and youth are especially vulnerable; not only do they have to deal with problems that can affect all other youth, like drugs and alcohol, poverty, HIV/AIDS, abuse and suicide, but they also have special cultural needs.   In fact, Inuit youth have a unique culture that is at risk of being lost if it is not protected.  Inuit have been working very hard to make sure that your language, lifestyle and history are preserved.  The Convention tells us that the Canadian government has a responsibility to support those efforts.

"I am so proud of being Inuk, and I am worried about our language being lost, about our future"  Darryl

  The Convention on the Rights of the Child is divided into four categories that protect your universal rights.  They are:

1) The right to non-discrimination

This means you should have freedom from racism, including attitudes or practices that harm you just because you are Inuit

2) The right to participation

This means you can participate in decisions that affect you, like having a youth council in your community, and being able to speak up during a trial

3) The right to have your best interest respected

This means you have the right to have your culture respected when decisions about you are made, like for adoption or foster care

4) The right to survival, development and protection

This means you have the right to protection from sexual or physical abuse and the right to education that respects your culture

  As an Inuk youth, your rights are especially protected by the Convention.  Because Inuit are the original inhabitants of the Arctic, they are sometimes called Indigenous or Aboriginal.  191 governments around the world agree that Indigenous children deserve special rights and protection under the law.  This means that your Inuit culture, language, history and traditions should be protected. According to the Convention, the Government of Canada should be helping to provide you the following:     

access to media (like television, radio programs, or even computer stuff) in your own language

programs that reflect the unique needs of your community (for example, after-school programs that are designed just for Inuit youth)

  social services (like legal services or foster care) that take your decisions and opinions into account

school materials that reflect your own culture, history and language

"It's time we speak up, because our 
youth need more support, and in some communities we don't even have Inuit 
social workers or teachers who help us take care of our culture"   Emma

  So, now you know you have rights, but they really don't mean much if you don't learn how to use them.  In Canada, your rights are guaranteed under the law, but that does not mean that this will automatically become reality.  In many cases, it will be up to YOU, your community and your leaders to make sure that your rights are being respected. As a youth, you know first hand what the problems and issues are in your community.  You can contact some of your local, regional and national Inuit organizations to find out more about their work and their programs for youth.  You can also speak up for your rights to non- discrimination, to participation and to protection.   Join a local youth council, participate in community events, or look up the other sites listed here to give you more ideas.   So use your knowledge! 

Your voice is important!  Check out our
Youth Action Sheet for ideas.