First Nations and Federal Government cooperative public policy making: a contradiction in terms or possibility in action?

Canadian Social Welfare Policy Conference 2003Skip Navigation

Abstract

First Nations and Federal Government cooperative public policy making: a contradiction in terms or possibility in action?

Manitoba First Nations and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Manitoba Region

In response to the final report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Government of Canada, in January 1998, issued its Statement of Reconciliation and Agenda for Action with First Nations as part of its Gathering Strength framework policy. Deeply embedded in all parts of Gathering Strength was the notion of partnership between First Nations and the federal government to design the policies into the future. One of the core issues RCAP identified was changing social assistance toward community economic development through income security reform (ISR).

Manitoba First Nations and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Manitoba Region, have embraced the ISR concept wholeheartedly. We will present a wide range of income security reform pilot projects demonstrating how partnership in policy change can promote the elimination of poverty.

The presentation will focus on Manitoba Region INAC ISR demonstration projects including:

building sustainable communities, utilizing community economic development approaches to building 26 First Nations in northern Manitoba (Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakaanak (MKO).
integration of programs at the community level targeting youth to strengthen identities, increase self-esteem, and to provide training and employment opportunities (Opaskwayak Cree Nation).
linking federal, provincial, and First Nations housing and training budgets to increase housing stock on reserve and to provide new apprenticeship opportunities (Interlake Reserves Tribal Council).
partnering between First Nations and INAC to cooperate in the
development of social assistance policies (Joint project between Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and INAC Manitoba Region Joint Social Assistance Initiative).

The presenters will speak on their projects and respond to questions. They will also discuss challenges involved during the pilot process, contribution to policy development, and outstanding issues for future consideration. The coordinated presentation will be 1½ hours (approx), including excerpts from videos and visuals.

Bios

Kathi Avery-Kinew received both her B.A. and Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba. Mrs. Avery-Kinew has over 30 years of community development and research experience with First Nations, particularly, with those in the Manitoba region and Treaty 3 area.

Robert Allec (MSW), Senior Policy Analyst, Intergovernmental Affairs, INAC Manitoba Region, has been the "point man" in encouraging the development of demonstration projects across the Region, and ensuring First Nations input into the national social policy framework during the 1998-2003 period.

Jason Daniels, the first Youth Coordinator for the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, and currently Band Councillor will explain how essential is reinvigorating the First Nations languages and traditions within today's youth, so that identity and self-esteem may be strengthened, and work skills effectively attained.

Cindy Marsden, Interlake Reserves Tribal Council, Larry Catagas, West Region Tribal Council, and Jim Beardy, Keewatin Tribal Council, are Social Development Advisors for their southern and northern First Nations tribal councils. They have been fully involved in pursuing First Nations involvement in social policy making and the development of the AMC-INAC Joint Social Assistance Initiative for several years.

Laurel Gardiner, a community activist, adult educator, and former registered nurse, is also the Coordinator of an exciting ISR project in northern Manitoba: Building Sustainable Communities. In her work with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimaakaanak, Laurel has sparked First Nations community planning, joint First Nations- government - private sector partnerships, and a new accredited training program in community economic development.

Carolyn Constant, Director of Employment & Training, Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) (near The Pas, Manitoba), has worked closely with Rhonda Ross, Social Assistance Coordinator at OCN, and others, to develop an extremely effective model for change. "The OCN model" plans and coordinates income support programs (social assistance, National Child Benefit reinvestment, HRDC and provincial training, etc.) to provide skills training, work experience, and educational opportunities to many First Nations people. Ms. Constant has now taken this model "on the road", encouraging other First Nations to adopt this approach, while Ms. Ross is producing videos to promote understanding of approaches to effective administration, community planning, and implementation.

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