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 […]
First Nations groups resolute in their opposition to Keystone XL
First Nations groups are resolute in their opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline, and are willing to go to great lengths over the coming months in order to stop the project, activists say. Maryam Adrangi, of the progressive think-tank the Council of Canadians, told The Hill Times that activist groups are “training people for non-violent […]
Federal Conservatives taking ‘big government’ approach to First Nations
The federal government continues to face accusations that it’s imposing paternalistic legislation and failing to consult with First Nations, but the Conservatives insist that their legislation will improve on-reserve quality of life and stimulate economic development. The Conservatives continued to move forward on First Nations legislation last week, passing two more bills that will impact […]
Aboriginal business leaders see paradigm shift in new economic opportunities
Aboriginal peoples are ready to play a leading role in the Canadian economy, but business leaders say that access to equity remains a barrier to aboriginal entrepreneurship and the Indian Act continues to be an obstacle to economic self-sufficiency to First Nations living on reserve. Canada’s aboriginal population is growing rapidly and ready to play […]
B.C. First Nations chief ‘mystified’ by feds’ approach to resource development
Canada’s resource boom could generate more than $600-billion in investment over the next decade, but without respectful dialogue and capacity-building partnerships there’s little chance of gaining First Nations’ approval for many projects, says British Columbia Chief Douglas White. Chief White, who represents the Snuneymuxw First Nation on B.C.’s Vancouver Island, told The Hill Times […]
