Indigenous Belonging: A Commentary on Membership and Identity in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The recognition of Indigenous peoples right to determine their own membership is crucial for their ability to meaningfully exercise their right to self-determination. The Declaration addresses rights of membership directly in Articles 9 (right to belong); 33 (right to determine membership); 35 (right to determine responsibilities of members); and 36 (right to maintain relations across borders). Together, these provisions reinforce the right of Indigenous peoples to define themselves, both in terms of membership and geographic scope.