The Assembly of First Nations says the Harper government is moving in the right direction with changes to the additions to reserves policy.
For years, First Nations groups have complained the existing policy is full of red tape making it difficult for bands to add new lands and pursue economic opportunities.
After three years of consultation and review between the federal government and the AFN, a new policy has been unveiled.
AFN Chief Shawn Atleo says in a release, “We can look to this approach as a way forward in other key areas such as addressing landless band issues, dealing with large specific claims and the development of policy to implement modern day treaties…”
The AFN says it will now take some time to review the new additions to reserves policy to see if it meets the needs of First Nations.