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Disappointment expressed by AFN National Chief and NAN Grand Chief as they react to today's Federal Government Budget (see both press releases below) ...

Statement on Federal Budget by National Chief Phil Fontaine: First Nations not Included in a "Stronger, Better" Canada - Another Missed Opportunity: First Nations Remain in Last Place

     OTTAWA, March 19 /CNW Telbec/ - "Today's budget was supposed to contain something for all Canadians, but today, First Nations are beyond disappointment. We don't see any reason to believe that the government cares about the shameful conditions of First Nations. We have tried dialogue and tabled a rational plan to address it. The only thing missing is a commitment from the federal government.

     It is encouraging to see this government re-new and expand programs where First Nations are demonstrating great success such as the Aboriginal Justice Strategy and the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership initiative.
However, the investments in Budget 2007 fall far short of a comprehensive plan. Similarly, while we are pleased to see money from last year's budget confirmed in 2007 for market-based housing on-reserve, the larger question of the pressing need for social housing remains unanswered.

     It is clear First Nations have been left out of the "stronger, safer, better Canada" painted by the Finance Minister.

     Today's budget goes far towards cutting taxes and paying down the national debt -- but there is no mention of dealing with the huge debt to First Nations in the form of outstanding land claims. I would like to remind this government of the recent Senate Report on specific claims -- Negotiation or Confrontation: It's Canada's Choice - the title says it all.

     I am also calling on First Nations leaders - especially women and youth -- to study the budget carefully, and provide their reactions to the Minister of Indian Affairs and the Prime Minister. I know that many Regional Chiefs will provide their own commentaries.

     Canadians believe in fairness, and trust that no one should be left behind in prosperous times. Some Canadians will welcome this budget, but many more would be alarmed if they knew about the devastating consequences for First Nations given the lack of attention that First Nations have received in this budget. The frustration of First Nations people is only growing, and this budget does nothing to allay their concerns.

     It is clear that the circumstances of First Nations peoples remain a black mark on Canada. It's an enormous burden, not just on First Nations people, but the whole country. We want to turn this situation around so that First Nations are more effective contributors to Canada's prosperity. First Nations need to be able create opportunities, not continue to miss out on them.

     Nowhere is the fiscal imbalance more apparent than in the critical under-funding of First Nations health, child welfare, education, housing and infrastructure. No other Canadian citizen has had to endure a two-percent cap on funding that has now lasted for over a decade. Our population continues to grow and the poverty gap continues to widen. Today's budget only contributes to the imbalance by providing $39 billion over seven years to the provinces, without any comparable attention to First Nations.

     In November 2005, First Nations had a plan that was unanimously accepted by the Premiers and Aboriginal leaders. As an Opposition MP at the time, Minister Prentice said: "the fight against aboriginal poverty is the most pressing social issue that our country faces ... and as Conservatives, we believe something has to be done."

     Beyond investment that is critically needed, First Nations of this country seek a commitment to structural change. The First Nations - Federal Crown Political Accord on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nation Governments (signed in May 2005) provides an exit strategy from the current policies and structures that restrict our communities and condemn our people to poverty.

     Minister Prentice committed to the process established under the Accord at a meeting of BC First Nations last year. I call upon him to act in accordance with the provisions of the Accord as a way to replace fundamentally flawed government processes and policies.

     We have patiently waited a long time for action. This budget only allows for enough money to continue the management of misery."

     Phil Fontaine
     National Chief
     Assembly of First Nations

     The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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NAN disappointed 'the budget for every Canadian' contains only a fraction specified for First Nations

     THUNDER BAY, ON, March 19 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy is disappointed only a fraction of what's being called the budget for every Canadian is designated for the country's First Nations.

     "Given the build up to Budget 2007, I was hopeful the Harper government would address the need to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians on a larger scale," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy following federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's speech today in the House of Commons.

"The Government of Canada needs to address the fiscal imbalance on a more comprehensive scale that includes First Nations along with provinces similar to the all-encompassing package committed to in Kelowna November 2005."

     The First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal Issues, which took place in Kelowna, B.C. November 2005, had former Prime Minister Paul Martin's Liberal government announcing contributions of more than $5 billion over the next five years to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians in the areas of education, health, housing, and economic opportunities.

     Today's Budget specifies supportive measures to provide training and job opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians, assistance in home-ownership for First Nation members, improvement of drinking water, and enhancing the Aboriginal Justice Strategy.

     Many of the 49 First Nation communities represented by NAN, such as Pikangikum (water and sewer) and Kashechewan (clean drinking water) First Nations, have made national news coverage in recent months showing living conditions similar to the Third World.

     "Increasingly, the honour of the Crown outlined in James Bay Treaty 9 is being denied, as First Nation people in NAN territory are not being provided adequate resources to meet a basic standard of life," said Beardy.

     The opposition is expected to vote on the Budget in the next two days. 

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/For further information: Jenna Young, Director of Communications, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, at (807) 625-4952 or (807) 628-3953 (mobile)/