Notes for a speech by

the Honourable Jim Prentice, PC, QC, MP
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians

at the

Opening of the First Nations Socio-economic Forum
October 25, 2006

Mashteuiatsh, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec

[Rémi Kurtness, Forum moderator, will introduce the Minister. Mr. Picard and Mr. Dominique will have already spoken. Mr. Charest will say a few words after Mr. Prentice’s speech.]

Thank you, Mr. Kurtness.

Mr. Picard, Mr. Dominique, Mr. Aatami and Premier Charest, participants and observers, good evening.

It is an honour for me to be here at Mashteuiatsh, on Innu land, and I would like to thank you, Chief Dominique, for the warm welcome to your community.

I am very proud to be here with you this evening as co-chair of this first Socio-economic Forum of the First Nations of Quebec. Here we are finally, assembled after many months of intense consultations, discussions and collaboration in readiness for these three days.

I owe special thanks to Ghislain Picard, Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, who first proposed the Forum. I must also call attention to the excellent work of all those who participated in preparing for this Forum. I would also like to express my gratitude to Steven Blaney, my representative at the Forum.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to work in close collaboration with the AFNQL, the Government of Quebec and other partners. And like you, I am anxious to move forward with an innovative and realistic approach that is closely attuned to our shared objectives.

The Forum has great personal significance for me, because we will be discussing the future of Aboriginal youth. Together we must find ways to provide the young people of your communities with more opportunities, better jobs and above all greater confidence in their own abilities.

Writing in Le Devoir last week, Chief Picard asserted that pious wishes cannot inspire hope in young people for a promising future; vague promises are not enough. I am entirely in agreement with these words.

Now is the time for solutions that are concrete, effective and achievable. Early in the New Year, Canadians, Quebecers and First Nations peoples elected a new Government of Canada. This government does not adhere to pious wishes—this is not its style. This government has clear priorities; its only goal is to adopt concrete solutions and deliver concrete results to Quebec.

Last week in Le Devoir, Chief Picard said that vague promises are not enough. I am entirely in agreement with these words. Now is the time for solutions that are concrete, effective, and achievable.

To find solutions with real impact, Canada’s new government has adopted a new approach that reflects my discussions with many Aboriginal representatives. This approach is built around four themes.

The first theme involves building up the individual self-reliance of the members of your communities by giving them the means and tools to assume responsibility and take charge of their own lives.

To achieve this, we must address the most critical needs, such as education and housing.

The second theme involves speeding up the settlement of claims and treaty rights issues; the huge backlog of cases attests to the urgency of reviewing the way we do things.

Thirdly, we must help you develop the economic potential of First Nations communities; and in training, skill development and entrepreneurship. The quality of life of your members depends on it.

The fourth and last theme concerns self-government; to achieve this, modern structures of governance and accountability will be needed. Any new initiatives (whether in regulations, standards or legislation) must be the result of consultations with you, the representatives of the Aboriginal peoples.

Groups like the Assembly of Chiefs of Quebec and Labrador and your regional bodies have an important role to play. And equally important will be close collaboration with the provinces, territories and our other partners.

The 2006 Federal Budget has earmarked additional resources enabling us to move forward. Over three billion dollars have been approved. We have demonstrated that we acknowledge the importance of combining our efforts and yours to improve living conditions in Aboriginal communities and to infuse young people with hope.

I am convinced that in order to achieve sustainable progress on these issues, all parties must demonstrate courage and perseverance in carrying through structural adjustments.

It is up to each of us to show creativity in formulating new legislation, developing new projects and proposing new approaches.

Lastly, we must establish new partnerships and strengthen those that already exist, in a climate of respect and trust.

I believe that all of this is possible. My faith is founded upon the successes of the community where we have gathered this evening.

Be it the fur or construction trades, the thriving tourism industry, or the management of the region’s energy and forest resources, Mashteuiatsh represents an economic boom for the Lac St. Jean region and hope for all First Nations in Canada and indigenous peoples abroad seeking to take control of their destinies.

I am eager for the results of the five workshops starting this evening, and I trust that the output of our deliberations will be creative and collaborative. In working together, I hope that we will enjoy as much success as Mashteuiatsh, which has welcomed us so warmly.

I am hopeful that the next few days will be productive and will result in the tangible, concrete plans and solutions we need to effect real change in your communities – that will move us forward and enable us to get things done.

Thank you.

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