Some Aboriginal organizations in Ottawa sign "new deal" with federal government
The meeting with some of the national Aboriginal organizations and members of the federal government cabinet has resulted in more agreements to work together being signed. The Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapirit Kanatami and Metis National Council signed separate deals toward defining aboriginal rights.
Press coverage of this "new deal" can be seen at:
FEDERAL MINISTERS AND NATIONAL ABORIGINAL LEADERS PARTICIPATE IN JOINT POLICY RETREAT Ottawa, Ontario (May 31, 2005) - The Prime Minister, members of the Cabinet Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and the leaders of five National Aboriginal Organizations met today for a Policy Retreat in a new spirit of cooperation and to address long-term challenges. The leaders of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the Métis National Council (MNC), the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) also signed joint accords with the Government of Canada that will ensure their direct involvement in Aboriginal policy development. “Today marks an important step in building a stronger and more positive relationship between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal Canadians,” said the Prime Minister. “The Canada-Aboriginal Roundtable Process that we launched a year ago, and the work we have done today, moves us closer to our goal of closing the gap in the quality of life for Aboriginal peoples.” Agreement was reached on directions for change in health, education/lifelong learning, housing, economic opportunities, negotiations/relationships and accountability for results. “The Roundtable process and this Policy Retreat demonstrate new collaboration and partnership,” said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Vice-Chair of the Cabinet Committee of Aboriginal Affairs. “While there is still much work to be done and the issues will not be resolved overnight, this inclusive process has will help ensure First Nations, Métis and Inuit people can take their place in the federation and exercise greater control over their social and economic aspirations. The accords signed today underline our shared commitment to continue working together. The Prime Minister recognized the involvement and commitment of Ministers Dosanjh, Fontana, Emerson, Scott and Alcock, who were each responsible for leading one of the Policy Roundtables, as well as AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine, ITK President Jose Kusugak, MNC President Clément Chartier, CAP Chief Dwight Dorey and NWAC President Beverly Jacobs. For more information of the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable please visit www.aboriginalroundtable.ca , or contact:: Campbell Morrison |
Extract from "Backgrounder - Strengthening Relationships" document.
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/m-a2005/02665bk_e.html
Education/Life-Long Learning
The Government of Canada recognizes that culturally relevant curriculum and learning programs that reflect Aboriginal values, traditions and languages are essential to achieving positive education outcomes for Aboriginal students.
Agreement was reached during the Roundtable process on moving forward with transforming First Nations elementary and secondary education. New initiatives will be developed with Aboriginal, provincial and territorial partners to encourage school innovation at the community level both on and off reserve; support First Nations education systems; and create new reporting tools to ensure greater accountability in Aboriginal education outcomes.
Agreement was also reached on the integration of Aboriginal children’s Early Learning and Child Care programs through the creation of a “single window” approach. This will provide access to programming more effectively for children and families and reduce administrative burden.