AFN, feds renew partnership

A plan to improve the lives of First Nations people in Canada was announced June 9 by the federal government and the Assembly of First Nations.
The Canada-First Nations Joint Action Plan is a commitment for the AFN and government to strengthen their relationship. The plan will focus on four areas: education; accountability, transparency, capacity and good governance; economic development; and negotiation and implementation.
AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said the plan will recognize and affirm Aboriginal and treaty rights.
“By affirming the relationship between First Nations and the Government of Canada, and setting clear priorities, we can achieve real results for our peoples,” Atleo said in a press release.
“Canada and First Nations have an enduring historic relationship based on mutual respect, friendship and support,” said John Duncan, minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. “That is why the AFN and our government have agreed to embark on a new phase in our relationship as a means of demonstrating concrete action.”
Education commitments include a shared process to find ways to strengthen and improve the delivery of K-12 education to First Nation children living on reserve.
The governance, capacity, accountability and transparency initiatives will support plans for community development and emergency management, a dialogue on First Nation citizenship issues and ways to improve the First Nation electoral process.
A Task Force on Activation of First Nation Economies will be established to review and provide recommendations at unlocking the economic potential of First Nations, including improvements to the additions to reserve policy.
The negotiation and implementation commitment calls will discuss the future of historic treaty relationships and look at ways to improve the negotiation and implementation of comprehensive land claims.
“Ultimately, any decisions will be up to First Nation governments working through options and opportunities with their respective communities,” Atleo said. “We will ensure that First Nations are meaningfully engaged at every step of the way forward.”