Where do we go from here? Canada’s Forgotten Peoples
As the national chief for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, I would like to take this opportunity to provide my opinion about the recent historic ruling issued through the Federal Court by Michael Phelan regarding the recognition that Métis and non-status Indians are Indians within the Constitution (Daniels vs. the Queen). This discussion comes at […]
The N.W.T. advantage: our model for growth
Northern, remote and First Nations communities across Canada face a number of daunting, but exciting challenges in the coming years. How can we unlock the vast potential of our natural resources to create jobs and durable prosperity for our people, while ensuring environmental sustainability and conservation? How can we ensure that First Nations, […]
Inuit want to secure basic standard of living on par with other Canadians, that is all
June is an invigorating month. In the Arctic, it brings the last heavy snowfalls before melt-up. To Inuit, the month is known as Manniit, or eggs, because after a winter of seal and fish, we can feast on the eggs of snow geese and ducks. In Canada, June is National Aboriginal History month, a time […]
Métis Nation and Canada’s Labour Force Development
The Hill Times has highlighted the fact that aboriginal peoples under the age of 30 are the fastest-growing segment of Canada’s workforce and identified the need to engage them more in meeting Canada’s increasingly pressing labor market challenges. The Métis people have a unique and dynamic role to play in this development. Of the […]
Aboriginal education: Canada’s moral obligation, constitutional responsibility
All Canadian children have a right to basic education and, for First Nations, it is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure they have that access. But it is also in all of our interests to close unacceptable gaps in First Nations’ education funding and graduation because, in failing to do so, we are […]
Feds downloading responsibilities on provinces, creating more problems
Canada’s relationship with aboriginal peoples is broken and instead of trying to repair it, the Conservatives are continuing to undermine the trust required for a successful relationship. In early June, on top of across the board cuts to core funding for Aboriginal organizations announced last September, the Conservatives announced they are cutting project funding by […]
Feds helping aboriginal peoples achieve prosperity, self-sufficiency: Valcourt
Since 2006, our government has taken concrete steps to ensure that First Nations have the same quality of life, the same opportunities, and the same choices as all other Canadians. Our commitment to achieving these goals is rooted in the understanding that a strong, prosperous Canada must include healthier, more self-sufficient, and prosperous First Nation […]
We need a willing partner in the Canadian government
Last week marked the fifth anniversary of the government’s apology to First Nations for the residential schools. At that time, the Prime Minister—who has called the apology one of his most rewarding days in office—stated, “There is no place in Canada for the attitudes that inspired the residential schools system to ever prevail again.” Five […]
Federal Court decision could have significant implications for First Nations families across Canada
A recent Federal Court decision that requires the federal government to contribute more robustly to the health-care needs of First Nations children on reserves could have significant implications for First Nation families across Canada. Experts watching the case say that the court’s decision to make Ottawa reimburse a Nova Scotia tribal band for costs associated […]
Young aboriginal population growing dramatically, crucial to economy to offer employment opportunities
The number of aboriginal young people is growing dramatically in Canada, and it is crucial for the country’s economic well-being that Canadian corporations promote skills and employment opportunities for them, according to experts. The convergence of the economy’s skills shortage and the explosion in number of aboriginal young people represent an economic opportunity unparalleled […]
