Media.Knet.Ca

AFN, ITK, Metis press release ...

National Aboriginal Organizations Applaud Passage of Private Members Bill to Honour Crown's Commitments on 2005 Kelowna Accord

OTTAWA, March 22 /CNW Telbec/ - The leaders of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Assembly of First Nations and Métis National Council - today welcomed the vote by the House of Commons to adopt a law signifying the Government of Canada's dedication to honour its commitments in the 2005 Kelowna Accord to tackle acute housing, health and education hardships among Aboriginal peoples. The law would also require the Government of Canada to report back to parliament on the implementation of the Accord.

The passage of Bill C-292 does not compel the government to fund the commitments of the Kelowna Accord. However, the ITK, AFN and MNC strongly urge all Canadians to show solidarity with Aboriginal peoples and press the government to implement the commitments of the Kelowna Accord.

Mary Simon, President of ITK said, "It is encouraging to all Inuit that the majority of Canada's elected representatives at the federal level have stood up clearly for two things: overcoming shaming gaps in Aboriginal living standards, and honouring commitments made by the Government of Canada once they have been made. In doing so, we believe that MP's are behaving in the way that the Canadian public wants and expects. We are also pleased that former Prime Minister Mulroney has lent his timely and much appreciated support to the Kelowna Accord."

"I am deeply proud of this bill's passing in the House of Commons, as the Kelowna Accord represents the greatest commitment ever shown to the Métis Nation," President Clement Chartier added.

"First Nations want to express their appreciation to the opposition parties who showed their unwavering support for Bill C-292. It is clear to us and to all Canadians that the majority of elected representatives support the targets and objectives which will help improve the quality of life for First Nations," said National Chief Fontaine.

The 2006 Conservative Party election platform clearly states that a Conservative government will accept the targets agreed upon at the recent Meeting of First Ministers and National Aboriginal leaders, and work with First Ministers and National Aboriginal leaders on achieving these targets.

"Today, I remind Prime Minister Harper of this commitment to work together with us to meet the achievable and affordable non-partisan plan agreed to by all in Kelowna to make First Nations even stronger," concluded National Chief Fontaine.

-30-

/For further information: Assembly of First Nations: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communication, (613) 241 6789 ext. 229, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, (613) 241 6789 ext. 243, npine@afn.ca; Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami: Stephen Hendrie, Communications Director, (613) 277-3178, hendrie@itk.ca; Métis National Council: Zoran Vidic, Communications Officer, (613) 295-9298, zoranv@metisnation.ca/

+++++++

NAN sees Kelowna Accord as best base for closing gap

     THUNDER BAY, ON, March 22 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy agrees with Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice that self-sufficiency is the key to First Nation progress, however the two leaders disagree that the 2005 Kelowna Accord passed by Parliament yesterday is the way to reach what Prentice calls "financial independence".

     "I agree that First Nations people need to become financially independent, however it's the regulatory framework of both the provincial and federal governments that prevents the people of Nishnawbe Aski from participating in the country's economy," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

"With billions of dollars worth of natural resources being extracted from our territory annually, assisting in sustaining the prosperity of all Canadians, you'd think First Nations wouldn't have to be perceived as asking for hand-outs."

     Beardy also agrees with Minister Prentice that the Kelowna Accord needs further work to iron out details in terms of addressing the many underlying issues, however says it's a comprehensive package that could improve the on-reserve quality of life across the board.

     "I was hopeful coming out of the 2005 First Ministers Meeting that the agreement would lead to meaningful discussion and implementation processes that would prove to lessen the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians across the board," said Beardy of the Kelowna Accord which is the basis of former Prime Minister Paul Martin's Private Member's Bill C-292 passed yesterday in the House of Commons. "The passing of Bill C-292 provides a renewed hope, but without acceptance by the Conservative Government of Canada we'll continue to see the gap grow and continued and increasing frustration among First Nations, particularly the young people, who are seeking quality education and sustainable careers."

     The Kelowna Accord, reached by the Government of Canada, provincial Premiers, and Aboriginal leaders in Kelowna, B.C. November 2005, outlined 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.

     "The Harper government had its chance to present Minister Prentice's theory two days ago when they announced their 2007 budget," said Beardy. "If the Government of Canada isn't going to accept a decision by Parliament, what alternative will they present?"

     NAN is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities across two-thirds of Ontario, including Kashechewan and Pikangikum First Nations, which have made recent national headlines exposing Third World conditions in the areas of housing, water, and sewer.

-30-

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