A Better Place for All
Housing, education and economic development in
First Nation communities

Notes for an address by

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

to the

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Legislative Assembly

Via videoconference
February 27, 2007

Check against delivery

Good morning, Chiefs. Thank you for inviting me to join you and for letting me do so in this slightly unorthodox manner.

I'm very happy to have this opportunity speak with you this morning/afternoon. And I want to say at the outset that I congratulate you for the leading role you are playing to improve the lives of members of First Nation communities across Saskatchewan.

This organization has been a key instrument in this effort. I am a firm believer in the value of gatherings such as this one. In fact, I cannot overemphasize the importance of cooperation and collaboration in fostering new partnerships, nurturing Aboriginal entrepreneurship and seizing opportunities to accelerate economic growth and enhance social development in First Nation communities.

I share your aspirations for your communities and your people. Like you, the federal government recognizes the urgent need to take immediate action to address those challenges that affect the quality of life of First Nations–factors such as housing, education, and the need for robust and sustainable economic development. Canada's New Government, in partnership with First Nations groups such as yourselves, provinces, and territories, has undertaken a number of initiatives aimed at meeting these challenges. I would like to take a few minutes to share with you the latest developments in the three priority areas I have just mentioned: housing, education and economic development.

First, let me touch on housing. The federal government is working with the funds allocated in last year's budget and with our Aboriginal partners to increase the availability of safe, affordable housing in First Nation communities, in urban areas and in the North. We continue to be interested in expanding alternative housing options on reserve such as private ownership and rental arrangements.

These approaches will enable residents of First Nation communities to build equity and generate wealth while at the same time encouraging construction of social housing for those in need.

Education is the second priority area that I would like to discuss. As many of you know, Parliament recently adopted Bill C-34—legislation that enables First Nation communities in British Columbia to assume meaningful control over on-reserve elementary and secondary schools.

I am confident that the calibre of education delivered on reserve in Saskatchewan will improve steadily as First Nation communities in the province also take greater control of their schools and the education of their students.

Only by modernizing the legal mechanisms that govern the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nations can we ensure that First Nation youth receive the quality of education they need to secure their own future and that of their communities.

The third priority area I want to raise is economic development. Firstly, I would like to note the excellent work undertaken by the FSIN in co-hosting the recent National Symposium on Aboriginal Economic Development in Saskatoon. This, along with the work of many Saskatchewan First Nations in pursuing economic development in their communities, demonstrates that economic development works best when governments support initiatives which are led by First Nations.

Recent examples of the federal government's support of economic development in First Nation communities are too numerous to recount in the short period of time available to me today. From making investments that strengthen the tourism industry in Yukon to forging Aboriginal-employment agreements with leading private-sector firms, we have worked with our provincial, territorial, First Nation and business partners to fulfil our pledge to bolster entrepreneurship and economic growth in First Nation communities.

We have also made specific structural reforms in the machinery of government that will enable us better support First Nation economic development initiatives. For instance, Aboriginal Business Canada has been transferred from Industry Canada to my department. I am convinced that consolidating Aboriginal economic-development functions will facilitate a more unified, coherent and effective approach to economic development in First Nation communities.

In fact, when it comes to economic development in First Nation communities, the stakes have never been higher. A booming national economy and a youthful Aboriginal population present unprecedented economic opportunities for members of First Nation communities across the country.

Closer to home, the Saskatchewan economy is also gaining momentum as the West's extremely profitable oil and gas industry continues to thrive. It is incumbent on all of us to work together to ensure that your communities are able to make the most of these lucrative economic opportunities.

I have focused on housing, education and economic development because I recognize how important these priority areas are to you and to members of your communities. In fact, during my time as Minister, I have followed closely–indeed the federal government has wholeheartedly supported–efforts made by Saskatchewan First Nation communities to encourage home ownership on reserve, assume greater control of education and spur economic growth.

Lac La Ronge First Nation now leads the way in regional efforts to promote home ownership on reserve. The community has partnered with the Bank of Montreal to create the BMO On-Reserve Housing Loan Program, the first of its kind in the Prairies. This program provides community members with access to loans to purchase and construct owner-occupied, single-family dwellings or to finance renovations to existing on-reserve houses. To date, more than 50 members have submitted loan applications for new home construction and renovations.

With respect to education, I am particularly excited about work undertaken to establish a First Nation education council for communities in the Battlefords area. The Northwest Nations Education Council has created an arms-length education authority for schools operated by six First Nation communities in the region. This authority concentrates on strengthening the quality of classroom instruction, improving cultural programs, and encouraging parents and community members to become more actively involved in their children's schools. I am sure you will agree that these are the three most important components in a quality education for First Nation students.

In terms of economic development, again, I could recite numerous examples of how First Nation communities in the province are taking hold of their destinies by nurturing entrepreneurship and economic growth. But one perfect example comes quickly to mind: Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

Whitecap has boldly moved ahead on several business-development and tourism ventures that promise to greatly enhance the regional economy and improve the quality of life of its members. The federal government has made a substantial investment in the community's efforts to build a casino, a hotel and spa, an RV park and campground, a skating arena and an industrial park, and to expand the award-winning Dakota Dunes Golf Links.

The impact of this development will be considerable: thriving businesses, a wealth of job and training opportunities, and increased revenues flowing through the community.

These developments here in Saskatchewan are impressive. They will produce a real, tangible difference in people's lives. But I think it is incumbent on organizations such as yours to keep moving ahead – to engage First Nation communities in determining solutions to the issues that face them in areas like education; training; housing; and child and family services. We all know that there is no single, catch-all solution to these challenges – but we also know that the participation of the communities themselves is essential if progress is to continue to be made.

We must move from ideas to action, with concrete, measurable results.

I urge you to use the FSIN Legislative Assembly to share your own success stories. I encourage you to take this opportunity to cultivate new partnerships and seize new opportunities. And I salute you for working hard to make your communities and your province a better place for all the people of Saskatchewan.

Again, thank you very much for inviting me today. I would be delighted to respond to any questions or comments you may have.

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