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Click here to see the report, Survey of First Nations People Living Off-Reserve, Métis and Inuit FINAL REPORT (PDF, 1Mb)

From Canwest News Service ...

Urban natives report "disturbing" increase in racism

Jack Aubry, CanWest News Service; Ottawa Citizen - February 19, 2007
  
OTTAWA - Urban natives say they are facing an increase in racism from businesses, schools, police and employers, with an "astounding" four out of 10 Indians, Inuit and Metis reporting discrimination in Canadian cities and towns, a newly released government report reveals.

In a national poll for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, 74 per cent of the Aboriginal Peoples who had experienced racism said it was at the hands of non-aboriginal people, an increase of 10 per cent from the last survey in 2003.

Forty-two per cent said they experienced discrimination by businesses, basically doubling the previous 20-per-cent finding in the earlier poll, while about one-quarter cited people at work, including their employer.

The report's conclusion said the finding was "disappointing" and "disturbing" and included the fact that aboriginal renters "often or always" experience discrimination from landlords.

Government was found to be a source of their experience of racism by two of 10 Aboriginal People, a slight rise from 2003.

There were also some positive findings, including the fact that in general, most Aboriginal People living outside of a reserve perceive their overall quality of life to be good and improving over time. However, the report pointed out the economic and social conditions experienced by natives is still not as high as might be found in the broader Canadian population.

Also one in four respondents said relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People are improving with time, with a quarter of respondents believing it is because non-natives are better educated than in the past.

"Conversely, of those who believe that the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people is deteriorating, roughly one-quarter blame this decline on racism or intolerance, while two in 10 say it comes from a sense of neglect or mistreatment by government," said the report.

Conducted by Ekos and Anishinabek Consultants Inc., the telephone survey of 1,000 Aboriginal People carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 per cent 19 times out of 20. The final report was completed in October, with the questions developed by Indian Affairs along with Canadian Heritage, Human Resources and Social Development Canada and the Office of the Federal Interlocator.

The poll cost $300,000 and was conducted by interviewers at Ekos' call centres in Ottawa and Edmonton.

The survey also revealed negative views generally outweighed positive ones when it came to the overall quality of government service delivered to Aboriginal People living off-reserve. City or town governments came out ahead, with one-quarter of individuals rating their local government on the positive side while provincial governments only rated positive notices from two out of 10.

And it was the federal government, which is directly responsible for Aboriginal People in the Constitution, who received the worst rating, with only 12 per cent, down from 17 in 2003, giving it the thumbs up when it came to the services it offered.

INAC press release ...

Minister Prentice and Anishinabek Nation Sign Governance Agreement-in-Principle

NIPISSING FIRST NATION, ON, Feb. 16 - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, today signed a Governance Agreement-in-Principle (AIP). The AIP establishes a framework for the Anishinabek Nation, represented in the negotiations by the Union of Ontario Indians, to assume greater control over its own institutions of government.

"Canada's New Government is committed to working with First Nations to support stronger First Nation governments as a key step in improving the lives of First Nation people," said Minister Prentice. "This important agreement sets the groundwork for participating First Nations to adopt new governance institutions and structures that are more responsive and more accountable to their communities."

"The AIP on Governance is one step toward eliminating the Indian Act, re-asserting our jurisdiction, and re-establishing our own Anishinaabe forms of government," said Grand Council Chief Beaucage, who represents the forty-plus member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation. "We look forward to completing these negotiations and forging new relationships with Canada that provide practical and effective ways to implement our inherent right to self-government and improve living conditions for our people."

The Agreement provides the framework for the establishment of the Anishinabek Nation government and for the recognition of First Nation governments with law-making authority in four core governance areas: leadership selection, citizenship, culture and language, and management and operations of government.

The Agreement also reflects the Government of Canada's support for replacing outdated provisions of the Indian Act with a modern legislative framework for First Nations governance. It provides a practical approach for supporting First Nations to strengthen their internal governance and solidify the political and financial accountability of First Nation governments to their citizens, while operating within the Canadian Constitutional framework.

The Agreement-in-Principle concludes the second of a three-stage negotiation process, and is not legally binding. A Final Agreement becomes legally binding on the parties only once it has been approved by the participating First Nations' citizens and brought into force through federal legislation. An Anishinabek Nation Framework Agreement on Governance was signed by the parties on November 26, 1998. As negotiations proceeded, the Province of Ontario has been kept apprised of developments.

The Anishinabek Nation and the Government of Canada have also been negotiating toward a "Final Agreement with Respect to the Exercise of Education Jurisdiction." An Agreement-in-Principal on education was signed by the parties in 2002.

The UOI is the oldest First Nation political organization in Ontario. It was incorporated as the secretariat arm of the Anishinabek Nation in 1949 and traces its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires which existed long before European contact. The Anishinabek Nation has a population of approximately 50,000 citizens, and comprises one-third of all First Nation communities in Ontario.

For further information: Deirdra McCracken, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice, (819) 997-0002; INAC Media Relations, (819) 953-1160; Monica Lister, Executive Liaison Officer, Union of Ontario Indians/Anishinabek Nation, (705) 498-5552; Mary Laronde, Communications Coordinator, Union of Ontario Indians/Anishinabek Nation, (705) 497-9127; This press release is also available on the Internet at http://www.inac-ainc.gc.ca and www.anishinabek.ca

Backgrounder - Anishinabek Nation Agreement-In-Principle With Respect to Governance

London Free Press news article ...

Powder keg

By JOHN MINER, FREE PRESS REPORTER - Sat, February 17, 2007

There are more than 1,300 land claims filed against Canada by native groups - hundreds more filed against provinces - and the list, and frustration, is growing longer under a system plagued with decade-long delays, writes Sun Media reporter John Miner.

The masked warrior at the hastily thrown up barricade at the Caledonia subdivision holds up a sign for the gathering spectators and reporters -- "Canada, your home on native land," it reads.

It is the morning of April 20, 2006, and the sky in the town south of Hamilton has been blackened by burning tires on roadways in the area.

Responding to a court order, Ontario Provincial Police had briefly held the subdivision before being pushed out again by about 200 natives from the Six Nations reserve.

Caledonia, still simmering, with the potential to boil over again, has become etched in the minds of Canadians along with Oka, Ipperwash and Gustafsen Lake, B.C., disputes.

But these are only the land claims that have made it into the national headlines.

There are now more than 1,300 land claims filed against Canada by native groups, hundreds more filed against provinces, and the list, along with frustration, is growing longer under a system that is plagued with decade-long delays.

"Nobody is happy with the progress that is being made. Caledonia, Ipperwash, I don't know how many others we will have," said David White, director of the Walpole Island Heritage Centre that specializes in land claim research.

In addition to concerns that land claim clashes can explode into gunfire as they did at Oka, Ipperwash and Gustafsen Lake, the financial and territorial stakes are enormous.

The federal government has built a $6-billion contingency into its books, the estimated cost of settling all of what it calls "specific" claims, and has budgeted $100 million a year for such settlements.

University of Western Ontario law professor Michael Coyle, who has mediated land disputes for 16 years, said at the current rate, it will take 50 years for the federal government to resolve all the claims that have already been filed by native groups.

"The average claim filed with the federal government in this province that is in negotiation was filed about 16 years ago. That is a very long time for aboriginal Ontarians to think about how long they might have to fight in a dispute with the government without even having it resolved," Coyle said.

In one case, documented by the Indian Claims Commission, the Chippewas of the Thames hired a lawyer in 1885 over land that had been sold by the federal Indian agent, who pocketed the money. It took 120 years to win a final settlement.

The delays provide ideal ingredients for more violent standoffs, such as the 1995 clash between natives and OPP in Ipperwash Provincial Park that left native protester Dudley George dead from a police sniper's bullet.

"While it is not a smart idea to try to predict what will happen this year or five years from now in some place that we haven't even thought of, there will always be a risk of two things," Coyle said.

"One, of people with justifiable legal claims against a government feeling frustrated because they are being treated like second-class citizens because they are not able to have their rights honoured.

"The second risk is some people in some communities may feel they need to do more to get public attention to the grievance so that they can have it addressed."

Those are the ones that cover violations of treaties, some going back hundreds of years, and cover most of the land claims in Ontario.

There are about 230 such claims filed by First Nations in Ontario, but they could turn out to be the tip of the iceberg.

While Walpole Island, for instance, has 21 claims filed with the Canadian government, it has 34 claims it is working on.

"When you start researching one claim and looking at it, you discover other things," said White.

And then there are the claims filed against the province.

While the original treaties are a federal matter, Ontario sometimes becomes part of a claim because it controls all Crown land, a favourite target in land claim negotiations.

At other times, it is drawn in for enforcing provincial fishing and hunting regulations that are in direct conflict with rights that were promised to natives by the Crown.

Ontario is now negotiating seven land claims, and is reviewing another 50 claims to decide if it will agree to negotiate.

Other claims are being pursued through the courts.

Then there are claims called "comprehensive claims," involving allegations by a First Nations group that they never negotiated away their aboriginal title to the land, a concept that has been upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada.

One such claim that has been accepted as legitimate for negotiation by the Canadian government is the Algonquin land claim.

It covers 36,000 square kilometres and includes most of Algonquin Park, CFB Petawawa and the national capital region, including Parliament Hill. More than one million people live in the area covered by the claim.

The federal government has said a final settlement of that claim may include land, financial compensation, economic development initiatives and harvesting rights for fishing, hunting and trapping.

A similar claim based on aboriginal title has been launched by the Walpole Island First Nation and the Saugeen and Nawash First Nations.

The First Nations claim they have title to the land across to the U.S. border under sections of lakes Erie, St. Clair and Huron, and the Detroit and St. Clair rivers.

Specific land claims range from relatively small ones, such as one the Oneida Nation of the Thames filed for mismanagement of 75 pounds sterling in 1842, to massive ones, such as the Six Nations claim to the land six miles on either side of the Grand River from Lake Erie to its source.

In the Walpole Island case, the First Nation is claiming the entire Sombra Township was supposed to be a reserve, but was instead sold off to settlers.

Most land claims involve allegations that the natives were never given all of the land originally promised in their treaties. In other cases, First Nations claim they were forgotten when the treaties were being negotiated.

And there have been documented cases of fraud, bribes paid to natives to get them to vote to surrender their land, and reserve land that was simply taken by the government and sold off

"A lot of things have gone wrong in the relationship in the past and dealings with aboriginal peoples and their lands and their rights," said Coyle.

And there is no quick fix.

The situation has reached the point that one of the first qualifications a First Nation looks at when they hire a lawyer to press their case is their age, White said.

"We want to be sure they will be around long enough to possibly see it through," he said.

NATIVE LAND CLAIMS IN ONTARIO

THIS IS NOT A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF LAND CLAIMS IN ONTARIO. RATHER, IT INCLUDES THE MAJOR CLAIMS AND THOSE AT VARIOUS STAGES BEFORE THE COURTS. THERE ARE MORE THAN 100 CLAIMS IN ONTARIO.

1. Algonquin land claim. The largest under negotiation in Ontario, covering 36,000 square kilometres that includes the nation's capital, Ottawa, most of Algonquin Park, and CFB Petawawa.

2. Six Nations of the Grand River has the most land claims filed in Ontario, including that the conditions of the Haldimand Deed of 1784 were breached. The deed gave natives all the land six miles on either side of the Grand River from its mouth to its source.

3. Walpole Island lawsuit claiming aboriginal title to the Canadian portions of Lake Huron south of Goderich, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair and Detroit rivers and the western part of Lake Erie.

4. Chenail Ecarte claim by Walpole Island First Nation covers Sombra Township and part of Chatham Township.

5. Boblo Island claim by Walpole Island First Nation.

6. Chippewas of Sarnia claim that 2,450 acres of its reserve was sold by the Crown in 1840 to politician Malcolm Cameron without the land being surrendered by the First Nation.

7. Caldwell band claims its members are original inhabitants, occupants and owners of Point Pelee and Pelee Island and that it never surrendered Point Pelee in 1790.

8. Kettle and Stony Point First Nation lawsuit claims the 1927 surrender of part of the Kettle Point reserve and its subsequent sale in 1929 is invalid.

9. Kettle and Stony Point First Nation claims the 1928 surrender and sale of 377 acres of the Stoney Point Reserve (Ipperwash Provincial Park) was invalid.

10. Chippewas of Nawash and Saugeen First Nation have filed a lawsuit claiming aboriginal title to the land under the water beginning 18 kilometres south of Goderich, west to the American border, north around the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, east to the middle of Georgian Bay and south to Nottawasaga Bay.

11. Chippewas of Nawash and Saugeen claim includes the return of 50,000 acres in the Bruce Peninsula plus financial compensation for treaty violations.

12. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation claim 5,120-acre Big Bear Creek Reserve was sold by the Crown in the 1830s without a proper surrender.

13. Mississauga Tribal Council claims that 1797 treaty for cession of lands at Burlington Bay was illegal and that the Mississauga Nation retained rights and title to lakeshore at Burlington Bay and 200 acres at Burlington Heights. Other claims include that lakeshore in the townships of Oakville Burlington, Mississauga and Etobicoke were never ceded by treaty or otherwise.

14. Mississauga Tribal Council claims land covered by the Niagara treaty of 1781 in Niagara region was never properly ceded.

15. Chippewas of Beausoleil, Rama and Georgina Island claim reserve land was taken illegally in 1836.

16. Curve Lake First Nation claims reserve land set aside in 1837 was flooded when dams constructed for the Trent-Severn Waterway raised water levels.

17. United Indian Council claims the 1923 Williams Treaty is invalid, that there was inadequate compensation for land taken and failure to provide reserves.

18. Alderville First Nation claims 2,350 acres at Bay of Quinte were taken without proper surrender.

19. Mohawks of Akwesasne claim islands in the St. Lawrence between Gananaque and Prescott.

20. Wahnapitae First nation claims it didn't receive amount of reserve land under its treaty.

21. Temagami First Nation claims it has aboriginal title to 10,360 square kilometres in vicinity of Lake Temagami.

22. Matachewan First Nation claims outstanding treaty land entitlement.

23. Wahgoshig First Nation alleges the 1951 and 1974 division of assets between the Wahgoshig and Abitibiwinni First Nations in Quebec was unfair.

24. Mattagami claim flooding of 1,340 acres of reserve.

25. Mississaugas of the Credit claims the Toronto Purchase (1787 & 1805) was illegal.

26. Chapleau Ojibway First Nation claims an error in 1906 led to a land entitlement shortfall under its treaty of 8,051 acres.

27. Moose Cree First Nation claims it is owed land under its treaty. Also, that Canada failed to provide 14 First Nation veterans with lands promised.

28. Missanabie Cree claims it was a separate and distinct band at the time of treaty and should have received full land entitlement.

29. Eight First Nations -- Long Lake, Pays Plat, Sand Point, Whitesand, Rocky Bay, Pic Mobert, Red Rock, and Ojibways of the Pic River -- claim they were never part of the Robinson Superior treaty and still retain aboriginal title to the lands covered by it: more than 50,000 square miles.

30. Eabametoong First Nation claims a population-count error in 1909 led to a land entitlement shortfall of about 10 square miles.

31. Weenusk First Nation claims a shortfall of 23.7 square miles in its treaty land.

32. Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation claims it has not received full amount of treaty land.

33. Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation claims Canada permitted non-Indians to construct dams that led to the flooding of 1,300 acres of reserve land.

34. Grassy Narrows First Nation and Wabauskang First Nation claim treaty shortfall of 7,314 acres.

35. Iskatewizaagegan claims there was an improper surrender of its land for flooding. It also claims 32 islands in Indian Bay.

36. Grand Council of Treaty No. 3 claims Indian Affairs sold Anicinabe Park without consultation.

37. Wauzhushk Onigum Nation suit over the flooding of the Lake of the Woods and the damage to reserve lands.

38. Couchiching First Nation claims a shortfall of 224,000 acres under its treaty land entitlement.

39. Lac La Croix First Nation claims Canada failed to prevent inclusion of unsurrendered reserve land in Quetico Provincial Park.

40. Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation claims it was never compensated for the flooding of more than 2,300 acres.

41. Lac Seul First Nation claims its land was illegally flooded and it received inadequate compensation.

42. Fort William First Nation claims reserve doesn't reflect original treaty.

43. Fort William First Nation claims a 5,000-acre sale of reserve land in 1859 was illegal.

44. Gull Bay First Nation claims it didn't receive the land it was entitled to under treaty.

45. Pays Plat First Nation is negotiating to increase size of its reserve.

46. Michipicoten First Nation claims the boundaries of reserve don't reflect what was promised in original treaty.

47. Whitefish River First Nation claims it didn't receive the full amount of treaty land.

48. Henvey Inlet First Nation claims land illegally taken from reserve.

49. Wikwemikong First Nation claims 41 islands near Manitoulin Island were never surrendered.

50. Moose Deer Point First Nation claims promises made in 1837 amounted to a treaty that included land for settlement.

Attawapiskat First Nation press release ...

Attawapiskat First Nation Denounces Metalex Ventures

ATTAWAPISKAT, Canada, February 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Attawapiskat First Nation is alerting shareholders and potential investors in Metalex Ventures (MTX), of Kelowna, B.C. that the work the Company is undertaking in Attawapiskat First Nation territory is being done without the involvement or agreement of the First Nation.

Metalex Ventures has continued exploration work throughout 2006 and 2007 without the support of Attawapiskat First Nation. On December 13, 2006 Metalex Ventures reported a kimberlite find in their T1 project. Attawapiskat First Nation has no intention of supporting the project as long as it continues to show disrespect for First Nation Rights.

Chief Mike Carpenter commented, "Our First Nation has demonstrated in the Victor Diamond Project that where our interests are accommodated, we are supportive partners. Where we are ignored as Metalex Ventures is doing, we will not go away quietly. These are our traditional lands and investors should be very cautious knowing that the First Nations interests have not been accommodated in this project."

Attawapiskat continues to work cooperatively with De Beers Canada and other exploration companies who have reached agreement with the First Nation.

Distributed by PR Newswire on behalf of Attawapiskat First Nation

Lieutenant Governor and Arm Forces press releases ...

Northward Ho! First Convoy of Books Departs Queen's Park for Isolated Native Communities

TORONTO, Feb. 16 - The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will host a large outdoor event on Sunday, February 18, to officially send-off the first shipment of books collected from his current book drive. The collection phase of the Lieutenant Governor's 2007 Book Drive, which ended on January 31st, exceeded all expectations with more than 700,000 books gathered.

Escorted by Military, OPP and Toronto Police Cruisers, military trucks packed with 100,000 books will be given a ceremonial send off. Together with representatives from the Canadian Forces, the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Services, and a performance by the Morningstar River Group, the Lieutenant Governor will be joined by children from the First Nation School in Toronto to pack the last boxes of books on to the trucks and to wave goodbye to military personnel who will be delivering the first shipment of books to 15 fly-in First Nation communities in the far north.

The childrens' books have, once again, poured in from generous and enthusiastic Ontarians from all walks of life. The Canadian Forces will be rushing the books into the north to access winter ice roads that occur only at this time of year.

Media and the public are encouraged to join this celebration, to greet some key participants, to partake in ceremonial native drumming and an aboriginal blessing. Photo and interview opportunities will be available.

Who:

• The Hon. James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
• Brigadier-General G. R. Thibault, Commander, Land Forces Central Area
• Deputy Commissioner Chris Lewis, Ontario Provincial Police
• Chief William Blair, Toronto Police Services
• Morningstar River Group & Students from First Nation School

What: The Launch of the Military Convoy to Deliver Books from the 2007 Book Drive
Where: Queen's Park, Legislative Building, South parking lot
When: Sunday, February 18, 2007, at 12:00 p.m.

For further information: Nanda Casucci-Byrne, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, (416) 909-7552

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Military Convoy Carries Books North for Aboriginal Children

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Feb. 16, 2007) - A Canadian Forces convoy will leave Queen's Park on Sunday carrying 100,000 books from the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario's Book Drive to deliver them to Aboriginal children in Ontario's Far North.

The Lieutenant-Governor's Book Drive has collected more than 500,000 "gently used" books donated by Ontarians for Aboriginal children living in isolated communities in Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

The Canadian Forces, which provided Moss Park Armoury as a central collection and sorting facility, have volunteered to deliver the books to remote communities in Ontario's Far North as part of a military re-supply mission.

The media are invited to witness the convoy's departure as it heads north with an escort of Military Police, Toronto Police and Ontario Provincial Police cruisers.

Lieutenant-Governor James Bartleman will speak to the convoy crews. Aboriginal drummers will sing an honour song for them and an Aboriginal elder will offer a prayer for a safe journey.

A group of children will deliver a last few boxes of books to be taken to the Aboriginal children of Northern Ontario.

The trucks will carry the books as part of Operation Wawatay Express, in which military supplies are taken over winter ice roads to Canadian Ranger patrols in 15 First Nation communities. Wawatay is the Cree word for the Northern Lights. Canadian Rangers are part-time reserve soldiers.

Some of the trucks will travel more than 6,000 kilometres, driving in challenging conditions over frozen tundra, rivers and lakes. Blizzards can block roads and temperatures can plunge to -50C. All crews must have completed winter survival training.

The departure will provide excellent photo opportunies for both still and video photographers. The Lieutenant-Governor, convoy crews and Brigadier-General Guy Thibault, commander of Land Force Central Area, the army in Ontario, will be available for interviews.

Representatives from the Toronto Police and Ontario Provincial Police, who provided police stations and detachments as drop-off points for the books, will also be present.

The event begins at noon on Sunday, February 18, in front of the main entrance to the Legislature at Queen's Park.

Military and police escort vehicles will occupy the area in front of the Legislature. Media parking will be available at the east side of the building.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Land Force Central Area
Lieutenant (Navy) Joe Frey
(416) 633-6200 extension 5501
Cell: (647) 221-3373

or

Canadian Rangers
Sergeant Peter Moon
(416) 364-0376

AFN press release ...

AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine announces Chief of Staff Bob Watts will become Executive Director of Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Roger Augustine appointed new Chief of Staff

     OTTAWA, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - "I am very pleased to announce that my Chief of Staff, Bob Watts, has accepted a position as Interim Executive Director of the Truth and Reconciliation. Bob played a key role in the negotiation of the historic Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine. "An important element in the settlement will be the opportunity for survivors to tell their stories to a Truth and Reconciliation Commission."

     "The fact that Bob has been chosen for this pivotal role speaks highly of the government's commitment to ensuring that this Commission fulfills the needs envisioned by its creation," said the National Chief. "I have asked that Roger Augustine assume the new role in my office as Chief of Staff. Roger is currently a senior advisor in my office, and brings sixteen years of experience as a former Chief of Eel Ground First Nation in New Brunswick, and as a former Indian Claims Commissioner.

     "Please join me in congratulating Bob on his important posting, and in welcoming Roger as he carries out his new responsibilities."

     These changes will take effect on Monday, February 19, 2007. Bob Watts can now be reached at 613-947-6556.

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

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/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789 ext 229, (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext 243, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca

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From http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?p=8016#8016

Truth and Reconciliation Commission - by Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy, Oneida - February 18, 2007

"An important element in the settlement will be the opportunity for survivors to tell their stories. . ." Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement

The first national Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canadian history is being created this year, as part of the comprehensive Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

What will it do?

"Promote public education and awareness about the Indian Residential School system and its legacy."

On Friday, AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine announced that his chief of staff, Robert Watts will be the Interim Executive Director of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He was a key AFN player in the negotiations that led to the settlement agreement.

A Truth and Reconciliation will have a budget of $60 million over five years.

Former students, their families and communities will be able to (if they wish - this is a volunary process) share their Indian Residential School experiences "in a safe and culturally-appropriate environment".

Short term - the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will undertake a series of national and community events.

Long term - it will establish a research centre for ongoing access to the records collected throughout the work of the Commission.

In December, the leader of the AFN issued a statement after Canadian courts said the settlement agreement is fair and reasonable.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will ensure that all Canadians will understand the significance of the serious harm done to our people. First Nations are determined to send the message to the world that ‘Never Again’ will such a racist agenda be tolerated in Canada.”

For more information about the residential school visit http://www.turtleisland.org/resources/resources001.htm

Greenstone press release ...

Greenstone Community Portal launch helps communities get online

Greenstone, ON: The Greenstone Community Portal, a community-focused web portal, was officially launched today at www.greenstone.ca. Pioneered by the Municipality of Greenstone and its partners, Geraldton District Hospital and Geraldton Community Forest, the Greenstone Community Portal is strategically designed to connect and build capacity for Greenstone residents, non-profit organizations and businesses online.

Using advanced wireless and web technologies to meet the needs of communities in Northern Ontario, the Greenstone Community Portal provides an interactive experience that will enhance communication, offer access to new economic opportunities, improve professional recruitment and dramatically increase cooperation between individuals, businesses and organizations, both within Greenstone and across the world. 

The community owned and operated web portal was primarily funded by the McGuinty Liberal government's Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) program in the amount of $747,444.

The Greenstone Community Portal is user-friendly and has been specifically developed to allow the Greenstone communities at large to take full advantage of the Internet,” said Michael Power, Mayor of the Municipality of Greenstone. “It will act as an evolving resource for community information and services, event listings, tourism information, directories and e-commerce business solutions. All of the portal content will be created and developed by local residents, organizations and businesses who want to benefit from exposure on the World Wide Web.”

In addition to providing a diverse range of content, a key objective of the Greenstone Community Portal is to increase awareness and usage of web-based technology by local residents to support the emergence of a more diversified economy in Greenstone.

During today’s Greenstone Community Portal go-live event at the Geraldton Curling Club, it was also announced that a series of training workshops will be held in Greenstone, commencing March 2007. In addition, residents are being offered free access to internet tools such as web hosting and E-commerce shopping capabilities for one year.

“We want to ensure that residents have the skills they need to gain the most benefit from the portal,” continued Mayor Michael Power. “By providing workshops and developing training partnerships within the region, our residents will have the opportunity to learn how to use new technology and most importantly, how to leverage the portal to develop new economic growth initiatives for our region.”

“This initiative will open new windows of opportunity for the residents of Greenstone and provide an effective gateway for communication between government, the public, industry and business,” said Mayor Michael Power. “This entire Greenstone Community Portal project culminates in the realization of our aims to build a global communications channel to connect Greenstone residents with the world through www.greenstone.ca," concluded Mayor Michael Power.

For more information visit: www.greenstone.ca

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For further information: Contact: Stephanie Ash, Firedog Communications Tel: (807) 767-4443; Cell: (807) 472-5276; Email: stephanie@firedogpr.com

Click here for the Report of the Independent Blue Ribbon Panel on Grant and Contribution Programs

One noteable quote sums it up ... “Government departments are now evolving to become very centralized, controlled environments becoming more and more difficult to partner with in the development of innovative projects. Their unwillingness to take any risks is resulting in the mentality of being afraid to cross the street on a green light in case they might get hit by a car. In their own paralysis, they force this same controlled and centralized management structure on the communities and the projects that are trying to serve the communities with very mixed results.”
(RECIPIENT COMMENT) - page 35

Message from the co-chairs of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Grant and Contribution Programs (see the government's press release below in response)

February 14, 2007

Dear Sir or Madam:

As members of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Grant and Contribution Programs, we are pleased to inform you that we have submitted our final report to the President of the Treasury Board, the Honourable Victor Toews. The title of our report is From Red Tape to Clear Results.

In June 2006, the former President of Treasury Board, the Honourable John Baird, invited the panel to recommend measures to make the delivery of grant and contribution programs more efficient while ensuring greater accountability. We also were asked to identify barriers to access for applicants and recommend changes to government-wide and departmental policies and practices to ensure that programs are delivered in a fair, cost-effective and efficient manner.

Our report is the result of six months of intense analysis and consultation. We employed a web-based technique to consult with approximately 1,100 recipients of grants and contributions and over 500 federal program managers. We received over 40 written submissions and held face-to-face consultations with business leaders, representatives from the non-profit sector, Aboriginal leaders and the science and research community. We met with members of Parliament, the Auditor General of Canada, the Comptroller General and a number of senior federal officials.

We have arrived at three key conclusions. Our first and most important conclusion is that there is a need for fundamental change in the way the federal government understands, designs, manages and accounts for its grant and contribution programs. Our second conclusion is that, not only is it possible to simplify administration while strengthening accountability, it is absolutely necessary to do the former to ensure the latter. Our third conclusion is that making changes in an area of government as vast and multi-faceted as grants and contributions will require sustained leadership at the political and public service levels.

We hope that the conclusions and recommendations contained in our report will inform government policy and in turn enhance the lives of many Canadians. Our report sets out 32 specific recommendations that are presented thematically in Chapter III. The recommendations are listed again in Appendix 2, where they are organized with respect to time frame for implementation— i.e. short, medium and longer term.

The essence of our recommendations can be distilled into four simple proposals:

1) Respect the recipients—they are partners in a shared public purpose. Grant and contribution programs should be citizen-focussed. The programs should be made accessible, understandable and useable.
2) Dramatically simplify the reporting and accountability regime—it should reflect the circumstances and capacities of recipients and the real needs of the government and Parliament.
3) Encourage innovation—the goal of grant and contribution programs is not to eliminate errors but to achieve results, and that requires a sensible regime of risk management and performance reporting.
4) Organize information so that it serves recipients and program managers alike.

Although many of our recommendations can be implemented forthwith, we do not underestimate the challenges inherent in change. Culture change takes time in any large organization, but in government it can take a particularly long time. Of special note, a commitment will be required of politicians, officials and even the media to look at accountability through the lens of program performance rather than simply control.

Sustained leadership will be required of the President of the Treasury Board and his officials. At a minimum, the following will be required:

a) a clear statement of policy direction;
b) a practical approach that starts by making simple changes and then builds from an expanding base;
c) the assignment of clear roles and responsibilities to manage the change process, at both the political and public service levels, accompanied by the authority required to do the job; and
d) adequate resources, including funding for people, training and tools.

Over the long term, we believe that the adoption of our recommendations will encourage recipients and program managers to work together to plan, deliver and report on federally funded grant and contribution programs.

We would like to thank all of the many people who contributed their insight and expertise, including those we met in person, those who participated in our online consultations and those who made written submissions. These offerings of useful ideas and comments have contributed enormously to the value of this report.

We invite you to visit our website at www.brp-gde.ca. There you will find other products of our work, including reports on our many consultation initiatives. We have also made available a PowerPoint presentation that summarizes our work and recommendations in a user-friendly format. There is also a link to the government’s response to our report. Tape to Clear Results

In closing, we would like to express our appreciation to both the former and current presidents of the Treasury Board for having given us this opportunity to make recommendations to improve an area of federal programming that is of vital importance to Canadians.

Sincerely,

Frances Lankin

Ian Clark

Click here for the Report's Summary Presentation

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Federal Government response ...

Canada's New Government Acting to Improve Grant and Contribution Programs

Treasury Board President Welcomes Report to Cut Red Tape

* Backgrounder - Summary of the Report of the Independent Blue Ribbon Panel on Grants and Contributions
* Backgrounder - Canada's New Government Acting to Improve Grant and Contribution Programs

February 14, 2007

Ottawa - The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board of Canada, today announced a series of immediate actions to improve how grant and contribution programs are managed. The measures are a first step in response to the report of the independent blue ribbon panel on grants and contributions. In their report, From Red Tape to Clear Results, panel members Frances Lankin and Ian Clark outlined their findings and recommendations to make the delivery of grant and contribution programs more efficient, while ensuring greater accountability.

"Grants and contributions are cornerstones of the delivery of government programs to Canadians. These programs provide real benefits to people such as promoting physical activity and healthy eating to school children and providing employment programs for disabled Canadians," Minister Toews said. "That is why we promised, in the Federal Accountability Action Plan, to reduce unnecessary red tape to make these programs work better for Canadians. I want to thank the panel and those around them, who donated their time and expertise to this process, for their hard work and impressive report."

The panel concluded that there is a need for fundamental change, that it is both possible and necessary to simplify administration while strengthening accountability, and that sustained leadership at political and public service levels is required.

"Our report reflects the work of a great many people who realize how important grant and contribution programs are to so many Canadians. Our recommendations are relevant, affordable and feasible," said Ms. Lankin. "The fact that there is so much to be done should not lead to the conclusion that the task is simply too large or too difficult to undertake. Rather, it should lead to the conviction that it is time to begin," added Mr. Clark.

The actions announced today will begin the process of change under clear leadership to strengthen accountability for the management and the results of these programs. They include the following:

- The President of the Treasury Board will lead in the development of an action plan to reform the administration of grants and contributions with a view to ensuring they deliver clear results in the most effective and efficient way possible within a sensible risk management framework. The government will continue to consult with the recipient community as this action plan is developed.
- As a first step in the development of this action plan, Treasury Board Secretariat will work with selected departments to examine business processes to identify opportunities for improved service and efficiencies. Based on the results of this review, departments will develop their own action plans to streamline internal practices and reduce administrative burdens.
- The government will establish a centre of expertise on grants and contributions, to share best practices, and to promote innovation in program administration.

"Time and money are being wasted administering rules and processes that add little to results and nothing to accountability. The actions I am announcing today will allow for programs to be managed more effectively and efficiently and to deliver real results. These actions deliver on our promise to strengthen accountability and management and make these programs work better," Minister Toews added. "We are getting back to first principles- delivering good programs to Canadians."

Each year, the government delivers nearly $27 billion to Canadians through more than 800 grant and contribution programs.

"Panel members were thoughtful, qualified individuals and the process allowed for considerable sector input. Looking forward, we urge the government to focus on taking action and on continued meaningful engagement of the recipient community in the implementation process," says Georgina Steinsky-Schwartz, President and CEO of Imagine Canada.

"It is important that government periodically review its practices and that those affected have the opportunity to participate," said Terry Goodtrack, Chief Operating Officer of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. "I look forward to reductions-brought about by these recommendations-in the administrative burden placed upon First Nations communities."

The report of the panel can be found at http://www.brp-gde.ca/. Attached are backgrounders that summarize the report and outline the government's actions.

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For more information, contact:

Mike Storeshaw
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
(613) 957-2666

Robert Makichuk
Chief, Media Relations
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
(613) 957-2391

Gary Breen
Blue Ribbon Panel
(613) 762-4673

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS press release

First Nations women leaders issue strong statement at conclusion of historic meeting
 
VANCOUVER, Feb. 14 /CNW Telbec/ - First Nations women chiefs and councillors released an eleven point consensus statement today following the conclusion of an historic three-day meeting in Vancouver. Critical issues such as poverty, matrimonial real property, the central role of women in sustainable communities, and First Nations jurisdiction were discussed and debated.

"The strength, knowledge, and capacity of our women leaders must be heard and honoured by all First Nations, and all Canadians," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine. "I guarantee that this consensus statement will be taken very seriously and will be acted upon by the AFN."

The following is the complete consensus statement:

"First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors are mad as hell with Crown government interference in our lives and we're not going to take it anymore.

For the first time in modern history, First Nation Women Chiefs and Councillors, from all across Canada, gathered in unity at the Assembly of First Nations National Forum for First Nation Women Chiefs ("Forum") in Vancouver, British Columbia on February 12-14, 2007. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors express their overwhelming concern and frustration with the current situation facing First Nations communities, families and children.

This Statement represents the unanimous voice of the Women Chiefs and Councillors present at the Forum to address critical issues affecting our Nations, families and our future to compel change and make progress.

The following statements were adopted by the First Nation Women Chiefs and Councillors:

1. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors honor the spirit and intent of the original relationship between First Nations and the British Crown to live in peaceful co-existence, without interference, and to uphold the unceded Inherent authorities given to us by the Creator.
    
2. First Nations in Canada are Nations with pre-existing collective rights, responsibilities, languages, cultures, territories and laws.
    
3. We maintain our authority to be the law-makers and caretakers of our Nations, our families and our land. First Nation holistic laws will continue to guide our decision making in the face of any and all federal, provincial and territorial legislation. The Crown continues to breach this original compact and interfere with this Inherent jurisdiction, thereby creating and perpetuating poverty conditions amongst our peoples.
    
4. Our collective Inherent and Treaty rights must not be diminished or adversely impacted in the development of federal, provincial and territorial law and policy.
    
5. The First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors will stand with First Nations governments to advance a comprehensive plan for accountability of all governments, the protection of collective rights and to eradicate poverty and social injustice.
    
6. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors will ensure that our lands, families and children are cared for; ensure that our rights are respected and upheld; and we will be responsible for the decisions that affect our lives. We will not relinquish our rights at the expense of our lands, families and future.
    
7. Negotiations and consultations regarding any federal, provincial or territorial initiatives that impact pre-existing Inherent First Nation jurisdictions and Treaty rights must take place with leadership of First Nations governments.
    
8. Solutions can be achieved locally, regionally, and nationally by working collectively. First Nations Women Chiefs and Councillors call upon the Government of Canada to work together with First Nations to co-create a new future for all our people.
     
9. The cycle of poverty, violence, lack of access to quality health care and education, and the non-recognition of Inherent First Nations jurisdiction continue to be perpetuated in federal genocide and assimilationist policies and approaches.
    
10. First Nation Women Chiefs and Councillors are united to oppose attempts by the federal government to unilaterally impose legislation and policy such as its initiatives currently reflected in the matrimonial real property process, and the repeal of section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. These federal initiatives that diminish or adversely impact upon our unceded Inherent authorities will be rejected.
      
11. We will accomplish this through collective action that supports systemic change. We will stand with the leadership of First Nation governments to advance a comprehensive plan for accountability of all governments; the protection of collective rights; and to eradicate poverty and social injustice in our communities."

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

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/For further information: Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext 243, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca; Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789 ext 229, (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca/

CHIEFS OF ONTARIO press release

Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples report calls on federal government to remove decade old cap on First Nations post-secondary funding

     TORONTO, Feb. 13 /CNW/ - "No Higher Priority - Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education in Canada" is the title of an important report tabled in Parliament this week by the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples and Northern Development. The report recommends the immediate removal of the 2% cap on Aboriginal post-secondary education spending which has been in place since 1996.

     "Federal post-secondary support has not kept pace with inflation, population increases, or provincial spending for post-secondary education" stated Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse. He further added that "the recommendation by the Standing Committee to remove this discretionary cap is the most significant measure which the federal government can implement to ensure more First Nations people have the opportunity to access post-secondary education."

     "No Higher Priority" also calls upon provincial governments to address accreditation and funding challenges facing First Nations controlled post-secondary institutions. The Regional Chief pointed out that First Nations controlled post-secondary institutions in Ontario have proven to be more effective for First Nations students than mainstream colleges and universities. "It is time to ensure that First Nations controlled post secondary institutions are able to take their proper place alongside provincially recognized colleges and universities as equal partners" states Regional Chief Toulouse.

     Regional Chief Toulouse identified the ongoing jurisdictional disputes between the federal and provincial governments' is a detriment to addressing the issues, as neither level of government accepts responsibility for the issue of First Nations post-secondary institutions. The Regional Chief further noted that the recommendations and proposals contained within the report provide a reasonable foundation for addressing the gaps which exist in First Nations post-secondary education. "I want to express my appreciation to the members of the Standing Committee for this report and for encouraging all parties in the House to work cooperatively and expeditiously to ensure the implementation of the proposals and recommendations."

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/For further information: Pam Hunter, Communications Advisor, (905) 683-0322 or (613) 203-3233/