e-Bulletin, Issue 27 - September 2013

- A summary of recent Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada announcements, opportunities, initiatives and ministerial visits –

In this issue, find updates on Northern Tour 2013, Education, Economic Development, Benefits and Rights, Water, Claims, Emergency Management, AANDC Program Updates.

Northern Tour 2013

Prime Minister Focuses on Economic Development and Sovereignty

Prime Minister Stephen Harper travelled to Canada’s North for the eighth consecutive year, from August 18th to 23rd.

  • In Whitehorse, Yukon, the Prime Minister announced support for the creation of a new Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining (CNIM) at Yukon College.
  • In Hay River, Northwest Territories, he announced support for a new mining sector-skills training program in the Northwest Territories and in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut.
  • In Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, he participated in an Arctic military exercise – which included an overnight sovereignty patrol – with the Gjoa Haven Patrol of the Canadian Rangers as part of Operation NANOOK 13.
  • In Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, he announced significant new support for geo-mapping in Canada’s North.
  • In Nunavik, Northern Quebec, the Prime Minister visited the Raglan Mine where the Government of Canada is supporting a clean energy wind project.

Harper Government Enhances Environmental Protection and Streamlines Regulatory Processes

Minister Valcourt joined Prime Minister Stephen Harper on his annual Northern Tour and announced next steps in consultations related to the federal government’s efforts to improve Northern regulatory regimes. Read the News Release.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

On August 9th, Minister Valcourt encouraged all Canadians to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Read the Statement.

Education

Consultations for Development of a First Nation Education Act

On August 14th, Minister Valcourt provided an update on the proposed First Nation Education Act. Developing a First Nation Education Act – Blueprint for Legislation was sent to more than 600 Chiefs and band councils across the country, asking them to share it with members of their community and to provide AANDC with their feedback. Read the News Release.

Canada, the Province of BC and First Nations Renew Educational Jurisdiction Negotiations

On July 26th, Minister Valcourt; the Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education for British Columbia; and Tyrone McNeil, President of the First Nations Education Steering Committee, signed an extension of the Education Jurisdiction Framework Agreement. Read the News Release.

Economic Development

Aboriginal Economic Development

Creating the conditions for economic success on reserve lands: A report on the experiences of 25 First Nation communities is now available. This AANDC report examines why and how some First Nation communities achieve economic success, despite well-known barriers. The report is based on interviews with leaders of 25 economically successful First Nation communities. Its goal is to inform strategies that other First Nation communities and the government can use to improve economic development outcomes.

Additions to Reserve Policy Updates

On July 26th, Minister Valcourt announced that the Government of Canada is responding to calls for a more efficient Additions to Reserve (ATR) process to better allow First Nations to take advantage of economic development opportunities. Read the News Release.  Provide Your Input: As part of its response to accelerating the ATR process, the Government of Canada is providing community leaders and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the proposed revisions to the ATR policy. Public input will be accepted until September 30, 2013.

Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Conference and Trade Show  – Register now

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is hosting the Annual Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Conference and Trade Show 2013 (AECTS 2013) on November 4-6, 2013, at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec. AECTS 2013 will provide the opportunity for Aboriginal people, communities and businesses to connect with major developers from the private sector and government. This conference will offer opportunities to learn from experts and key stakeholders. Registration and agenda details are available on the website.

The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business

The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business aims to augment the Government of Canada’s commitment to increase procurement and participation in major economic opportunities for Aboriginal business. From 2009 to 2011 PSAB set-aside contracts increased from $49 million to $84 million. To learn how Aboriginal Businesses can benefit from this strategy, read the Program Overview.

Aboriginal Business Directory

The Aboriginal Business Directory, hosted on Industry Canada’s website, is a publically available online directory that increases the visibility of Aboriginal businesses within federal and provincial governments and the private sector. Check out the Aboriginal Business Directory and register today!

Benefits and Rights

Matrimonial Real Property

The Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act, which received Royal Assent on June 19, 2013, ensures that individuals living on reserves have comparable rights and protections as all other Canadians. To understand more about the contents of this Act and what it may mean for you, please read the MRP Information Sheet.

Enrolment in the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation

On July 4th, Minister Valcourt and Brendan Sheppard, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, announced a Supplemental Agreement that will address shared concerns about the integrity of the enrolment process for membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. The Agreement includes clarification of the requirements for enrolment, additional documentation requirements for applications and an extension of the 2008 Agreement timelines. Read the News Release.

Water

Grand Opening of New Water Treatment Plant at Liard First Nation (Yukon)

On August 2nd, Minister Valcourt congratulated Liard First Nation on the opening of the community’s new water treatment plant. The facility was funded by AANDC and is designed to provide a safe and reliable source of water for everyone in the community. Read the News Release. To see photos of the opening, visit the AANDC Flickr photo gallery.

Investing in Water Treatment Facility for Toquaht Nation (BC)

On July 20th, on behalf of Minister Valcourt, James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo–Alberni, joined citizens of the Toquaht Nation to celebrate the opening of the new water treatment facility located in Toquaht Nation's community of Macoah. The Government of Canada has invested $2.1 million in the facility. Read the News Release.

Claims

20th Anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

On July 9th, Minister Valcourt extended his congratulations to the President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Cathy Towtongie; the Premier of Nunavut, Eva Aariak; and all residents of Nunavut on the 20th anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. Signed in 1993, the historic agreement mandated the creation of Nunavut, Canada’s newest territory. Read the Statement. Visit the AANDC Flickr gallery to check out photos from Nunavut Day 2013.

Canada and Tsuu T’ina Nation Reach Final Agreement on Historic Claims

On July 6th, Minister Valcourt and Chief Roy Whitney-Onespot of the Tsuu T’ina Nation celebrated the final settlement of three specific claims involving the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary, Alberta. Under the settlement agreement, Canada is providing Tsuu T’ina Nation with $20.8 million in financial compensation to resolve the three claims, known collectively as the Glenmore Reservoir specific claims. Read the News Release.

Minister Valcourt Visits

The Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne

On August 7th, Minister Valcourt joined Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne for a tour of the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne. Both parties discussed shared goals of increased economic development opportunities through tourism and local infrastructure projects, the priority to improve quality of life through community initiatives like the leading water treatment facility, and by addressing barriers such as border accessibility. Read the News Release.

Back to Batoche Days and Saskatchewan First Nation Summer Games

On July 19th, Minister Valcourt participated in the opening of the Back to Batoche Days festival in Batoche, Saskatchewan, as well as the closing ceremonies of the 2013 Saskatchewan First Nation Summer Games. Read the News Release.

Indian Village at Calgary Stampede

On July 5th, Minister Valcourt and the Honourable Robin Campbell, Minister of Aboriginal Relations for Alberta, officially opened the Indian Village at the Calgary Stampede. Read the News Release.

Canada Day with First Nations Chiefs

On July 1st, Minister Valcourt was joined by New Brunswick Premier David Alward, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, and Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Roger Augustine for the Second Annual Fishermen's Pow wow at Waterford Green Park. The annual pow wow was inaugurated in 2012 to bring together people of Aboriginal and French, Irish and Scottish descent to commemorate and renew alliances that reflect the significance of their historical relationships. Read the Statement.

Emergency Management

Government of Canada Invests in Emergency Management Activities for Lennox Island First Nation

On August 7th, Minister Valcourt visited the Lennox Island First Nation to meet with community members and to view recently completed work on the causeway that links the community to Prince Edward Island. AANDC contributed funding for repairs to the causeway through AANDC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program. Read the News Release.

Canada and Province of Manitoba to Ensure Flood Evacuees Continue to Receive Accommodation

On July 16th, Minister Valcourt and the Honourable Eric Robinson, Manitoba's Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, ensured that flood evacuees living in Misty River Lodge will continue to have accommodation after the lodge closes. Read the Statement.

Harper Government’s Support for First Nation Communities Affected by Alberta Flooding

On July 5th, Minister Valcourt toured the Morley community of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, where he met with band leadership and First Nation members affected by the Alberta floods. The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to support recovery efforts for First Nations affected by flooding as quickly and efficiently as possible. Read the News Release.  On June 27th, the Minister met with members of the Siksika Nation and pledged the Harper Government's ongoing support for First Nations affected by the historic flooding in Alberta. Read the News Release.

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