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AFN press release

AFN National Chief Welcomes Appointments to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

OTTAWA, June 10 - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine welcomed today's announcement by Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl on the appointment of the Chair and Commissioners for the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"Today's announcement is welcome news for First Nations and, in particular, survivors of the Indian residential schools," AFN National Chief Fontaine stated. "First Nations citizens and survivors across the country are eager to see the Commission begin its work as soon as possible. It is important that survivors and all those involved in the schools have a chance to tell their stories. The Commission will be an important vehicle to advance our national goal of reconciliation by building greater understanding among all the peoples of this land."

Minister Strahl announced today that Mr. Justice Murray Sinclair will Chair the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Mr. Justice Murray Sinclair is a citizen of the Ojibway Nation, raised on the St. Peter's Reserve in Manitoba. He was the first Aboriginal judge in Manitoba and was one of the Co-Chairs of Manitoba's groundbreaking Aboriginal Justice Inquiry in Manitoba. The two new commissioners are Wilton Littlechild, the Alberta Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations and Marie Wilson, who has previously served as a Regional Director of CBC North.

The National Chief stated: "I know Mr. Justice Sinclair personally and professionally and his experience as a judge and scholar, and his strong understanding of his culture and traditions, will ensure he brings the expertise, insight and sensitivity that will be so important to the work of this commission. I congratulate Regional Chief Littlechild - my friend and colleague whom I have worked with closely over the past three years - and Mrs. Wilson on their appointments as Commissioners. I have the highest regard and respect for them and know they will carry out their work with diligence and dedication. I fully support the Chair and Commissioners and I want to thank the Honourable Frank Iacobucci for overseeing the selection committee and his ongoing support for this work."

The announcement by Minister Strahl arrives one day before the first anniversary of the federal government's apology for the Indian residential schools. The AFN has designated June 11th as the National Day of Reconciliation and tomorrow will hold a march in Ottawa, Ontario and a rally on Parliament Hill, with supporting events across the country.

The AFN was involved in the selection process for the Chair and Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Commission's mandate is to inform all Canadians about what happened in the Indian residential schools (IRS) by documenting the words of survivors, their families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential schools experience. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement, a landmark settlement negotiated by the Assembly of First Nations and finalized in March 2007.

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

For further information: Don Kelly, A/Communications Director, Assembly of First Nations, (613) 241-6789 ext. 334, cell: (613) 292-2787, dkelly@afn.ca.

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COO press release

The Chiefs in Ontario Launch First Nation Education Campaign on National Day of Action

TORONTO, June 11, 2009 - First Nations in Ontario are taking action to distribute information and raise awareness about the current status of education in their communities and the importance of quality and well resourced education for their students on the National Day of Action and throughout the summer. “I encourage First Nation communities across Ontario to organize activities within their communities with the goal of obtaining support from all Ontarians on key First Nation Education issues,” stated Angus Toulouse, Ontario Regional Chief.

First Nations have been saying for many years that the state of education needs to be addressed – and they are not alone. The Internal Audit on the Post Secondary Education Program (January 2009) as well as the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s Report on ‘The Funding Requirement for First Nations Schools’ (May 2009) both point to serious issues with the way the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is managing First Nation education programs. These reports confirm what First Nations have been saying for some time including that the policies are outdated and ineffective and that funding mechanisms are poorly designed resulting in significant challenges for First Nation learners.

Building awareness and understanding within the Ontario and Canadian public about the challenges First Nations face is important, says Toulouse. “Awareness is a powerful tool. It increases the opportunity for parties to become engaged in developing solutions. As cited by the Auditor General of Canada – the gap in education attainment between First Nations and the general population is 28 years and is actually increasing. First Nations are determined to close this gap but require the support of all parties to make this happen. We have the fastest growing population in Canada, and investing in education will have significant and positive impacts on First Nation communities as well as the broader Canadian economy.”

In fact, the Canadian Centre for the Study of Living Standards calculated in a 2008 study that closing the education gap between First Nations and other Canadians would add an additional $72 billion to the economy over the next ten years.

Building awareness is only one of the steps, but it is an important one. “We believe that INAC and First Nations can work together to close this education gap. While the need for fair, stable funding is a key factor, it is not the only issue. It is also about working together to create lasting policy and program solutions that support First Nations student success.”

The Chiefs in Ontario, comprising the 133 First Nations in Ontario, is a political forum and secretariat for collective decision-making, action and advocacy.

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For more information and/or interviews, please contact:
Kathleen Pilcher
Chiefs of Ontario
(807) 626-9339

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NAHO press release

Message from Paulette C. Tremblay, Ph.D., CEO of the National Aboriginal Health Organization, in support of the National Day of Reconciliation

I am pleased to support the upcoming National Day of Reconciliation on June 11, 2009 to mark the first anniversary of Canada’s apology for its treatment of children, parents and families as a result of the Indian Residential School system.

NAHO is committed to advancing the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. The apology is an important gesture towards healing of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities affected by the Residential School experience. The healing journey continues with the programs and initiatives for and by survivors and their families.

The National Day of Reconciliation is also a time to celebrate our culture through the participation of Elders, the ceremonies, performances, and children’s circle dance that will take place throughout the day. Our cultural heritage provides important understandings about how to live in the world including the ability to spring back from adversity, successfully adapt to life’s challenges, and to seek harmony and understanding.

It is fitting that children will take the lead in carrying out the greetings and performances as well as presenting their “Hopes and Dreams of a Better Canada.” In First Nations, Inuit and Métis societies, close and warm family and community relationships are important, and we like to take
every opportunity to show our children that we care about them and that we look to them to contribute in positive ways to the life of our Nations.

The National Day of Reconciliation is an opportunity to move forward towards realizing the hopes and dream of our youth for a just Canada. As such, we invite all Canadians to join us in this commemorative event sponsored by the Assembly of First Nations and their many partners to get a greater understanding of the health issues affecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, celebrate our culture, and to walk with us in a new era of reconciliation and new relationships between our peoples and all Canadians.
 
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Ontario Press Release

Statement by Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Brad Duguid, on The National Day of Reconciliation

June 10, 2009

The Government of Ontario supports the call by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to raise awareness of Aboriginal issues on June 11th, the National Day of Reconciliation. This date also marks the one year anniversary of the residential school apology by the Federal government.

The apology was an important milestone that started a process of reconciliation and healing, but we understand that while progress is being made we also recognize more needs to be done. The Government of Ontario will continue to strengthen relationships with our Aboriginal partners, and we'll continue to urge the Federal government to work diligently at achieving positive outcomes for all Aboriginal people across Canada.

The McGuinty government is proud of the progress that we have made in building stronger relations between the government and First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Ontario. For example, we recently signed an agreement to transfer Ipperwash Provincial Park to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.

As we continue to move forward on Justice Linden's recommendations, we are also addressing issues of access to education, economic development and skills training. These are critical success factors in building a more prosperous future for all Aboriginal people in Ontario.

CONTACTS

Greg Flood
Communications Branch
416-314-9455
greg.flood@nullontario.ca.

Scott Cavan
Minister's Office
416-314-7395
scott.cavan@nullontario.ca.
 
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CFS press release

Students Support First Nations Day of Reconciliation

OTTAWA, June 10 - On Thursday, June 11, university and college students will be participating in the First Nations Day of Reconciliation that marks the one-year anniversary of the government's historic apology for the residential school system. Students will be marching in solidarity with Aboriginal organizations that are calling on the federal government to address the many injustices still facing Aboriginal peoples across the country.

"Last year, the federal government took an important step towards reconciliation by apologizing to residential school survivors," said Thomas Roussin, Aboriginal students' spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). "Now is the time to turn words into action. The federal government must address the poverty afflicting Aboriginal communities through meaningful investments in areas such as post-secondary education."

Since 1996, annual increases to funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which provides financial support for First Nations and Inuit students, have been capped at two percent. When accounting for inflation and population growth, the value of the federal government's contribution to Aboriginal post-secondary education has declined significantly. Over 2,500 Aboriginal students are denied funding each year as a result.

At the May 2009 general meeting of the CFS National Aboriginal Caucus, Aboriginal student representatives from across the country resolved to support the Day of Reconciliation spearheaded by the Assembly of First Nations.

"Aboriginal peoples and communities are facing a number of challenges", said Katherine Giroux-Bougard, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "It is critical that the federal government build upon its apology through meaningful, immediate, and tangible action for Canada's Aboriginal peoples."

The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, representing over one half million college and university students at more than 80 campus students' unions across Canada. The Federation's National Aboriginal Caucus unites Aboriginal students on campuses across Canada.

For further information: Thomas Roussin, Aboriginal Students' Representative, (306) 596-6716 (cell); Katherine Giroux-Bougard, National Chairperson, (613) 261-7528 (cell)

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ANAC press release

Nursing groups mark National Day of Reconciliation with Launch of Cultural Competency Framework

OTTAWA, June 10 - The Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (A.N.A.C.), together with its partners, the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), will mark June 11, the National Day of Reconciliation, with the launch of Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety in Nursing Education: A Framework for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nursing.

Rosella Kinoshameg, president of A.N.A.C., said the framework "will provide the guiding principles greatly needed in the education and safe learning environment of nursing students and their preparation to provide culturally safe care."

"The new framework sets positive standards that affirm the resiliency of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and will enhance health care and treatment for Aboriginal people in the Canadian health-care system," said Kaaren Neufeld, president of the Canadian Nurses Association.

"CASN is committed to the framework. It is a vital first step to integrating cultural competency into BScN programs from coast to coast," said Lynnette Stamler, CASN president. "We are excited to be part of the 'Making it Happen' team."

The framework is the result of a project - funded by the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada - called Making it Happen: Strengthening Aboriginal Health Human Resources. The joint venture addressing cultural proficiency is now in its second phase, integrating cultural safety competencies into the curriculum of select Canadian schools of nursing.

Background

The National Day of Reconciliation focuses on confronting past attempts at cultural assimilation and the ongoing inequities facing Aboriginal people. For more information, visit the Assembly of First Nations' website at www.afn.ca.

For further information:

Maria Jacko,
Project Coordinator,
A.N.A.C.,
(613) 724-4677, ext. 24,
mjacko@anac.on.ca.

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CAW press release ...

National Day of Reconciliation for Canada's First Nations: June 11

TORONTO, June 10 - The CAW is urging participation, support and understanding about the importance of the The National Day of Reconciliation for Canada's First Nations on Thursday, June 11.

Former CAW President Buzz Hargrove will join Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine on Parliament Hill in Ottawa as well as other government, labour, and church officials to highlight the significance of June 11.

Hargrove is scheduled to speak at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Parliament Hill on Thursday. Earlier in the day there will be a Sunrise Ceremony and a Water Ceremony at Victoria Island in the Ottawa River as well as a march to Parliament Hill. The ceremonies will also include First Nations dancing, singing and drumming among many other activities.

The day marks the first anniversary of Canada's apology for its treatment of children, parents and families as a result of the Indian Residential School system.

In 2007 the CAW and Assembly of First Nations launched a series of joint community building projects as part of the national Make Poverty History for First Nations campaign. CAW skilled trades volunteers helped refurbish the children's learning room in the Toronto Native Friendship Centre. They are also rebuilding 57 water wells for the Little Salmon/Carmacks community in the Yukon.

During the National Day of Reconciliation CAW is providing support including transportation to Ottawa First Nations communities to attend events on June 11th.

For more information on the National Day of Reconciliation and to find a complete schedule of events visit www.afn.ca

For further information: contact the CAW's Terry Farrell, cell, (416) 662-0112 or John McClyment, CAW Communications, (416) 495-3766