Throne Speech Called Encouraging By Native Leaders
Thursday, March 04, 2010 at 14:21
National Chief Shawn Atleo says he is encouraged by the Conservative government’s commitment to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The pledge came in yesterday’s throne speech.
Canada is the last of four countries that didn’t sign the declaration in 2007 to now signal their intentions to change their position.
The Assembly of First Nations leader says the government’s change of heart offers the potential of a transformed relationship between the government and First Nations.
However, Atleo says First Nations are concerned about possible cutbacks to exisiting programs and services, and will be watching today’s budget closely.
The president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada is also applauding yesterday’s throne speech.
Jeannette Corbiere Lavell says it’s gratifying to hear that the government will take action to address the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women across Canada.
Corbiere Lavell says politicians have given lip service to the issue in the past, but this is the first time such a pledge has come in the throne speech.
She is optimistic that with the government’s help, the public can become better educated on the issue.
Corbiere Lavell adds developing working relationships with other groups on the issue will also be key to ending violence against women.
Meanwhile, a First Nations leader from Quebec says he will be going through today’s budget with a magnifying glass looking for any changes to funding for First Nations students at colleges and universities.
Gilbert Whiteduck, who also sits on the Assembly of First Nations’ education committee, says he has heard rumours the government is thinking of phasing out grants to reserve residents in favour of repayable loans.
He hasn’t seen anything definite, but he believes hints of any future plans by government may be found in today’s budget.
Whiteduck thinks the Conservative government may use recent problems at the First Nations University of Canada to justify changes to post-secondary funding for students.
However, he notes the program’s renewal date isn’t until 2013, so First Nations may have some time to head off any trouble.