Hope for the UN declaration

Declaration adoption marks the end of the first stepThe hope and expectation is that it will become a convention with the force of international law.

"The declaration is wonderful. It's a respect, recognition, and a beginning," said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and CEO, and publisher of Indian Country Today.

"The fact that the world is now aware of and supporting the concept of indigenous peoples--rather than exterminating them--is very significant, and I think it will help in those forums [dealing with land and natural resources rights, for example] because people will now know others are aware and watching, and that's an important element."