President Barack Obama is reviewing the federal government's stance on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The United States was one of four nations that voted against the declaration in November 2007. Australia and New Zealand have changed their stances, leaving the U.S. and Canada as the only holdouts.

The declaration supports the right of indigenous peoples to determine their own futures. It is not legally binding but it urges nations to support indigenous land, cultural, education and other rights.

Susan Rice, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, is expected to discuss the declaration at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues today. Lise Balk King, the owner of The Native Voice, is attending the forum and said Kim Teehee, the White House senior policy advisor for Native American Affairs, will be part of the U.S. delegation.

Get the Story:
New Zealand backs indigenous rights, US to review (AP 4/19)

Related Stories:
Australia changes stance on indigenous rights (5/26)
Obama might back indigenous rights declaration (1/9)
Indigenous Peoples Caucus meets in Geneva (10/28)
Indigenous Peoples Caucus meets in Geneva (9/25)
Jodi Rave: Indigenous rights declaration up for vote (9/13)