The Congress of Aboriginal People says it has taken the first step on a long road to changing federal policy governing Aboriginal people.

Specifically, CAP is taking aim at policy related to amendments to the Indian Act, education, health, governance, and economic development.

The congress says the federal government asked it to develop a detailed road map to reform in late 2011.

About 165 people attended a workshop over the weekend to come up with ideas for changes to those policy areas.

Those changes will now be summarized in a report to the congress executive.

Then, next fall, those ideas will be incorporated in policy resolutions drafted during the CAP general assembly.

According to CAP Vice-Chief Dwight Dorey, “Instead of a high-profile summit, we are committed to working with the Prime Minister behind the scenes to develop a strategy and road map to full reform.” — a reference to January’s Crown-First Nations gathering.