AFN hears from urban First Nations residents
September 9, 2016. The Assembly of First Nations held its first urban outreach forum Thursday in Edmonton. "The AFN always ensures the urban dimension is reflected in our plans and priorities. The urban outreach forums are part of our effort to meet the needs of First Nations wherever they choose to reside," said Regional Chief Craig Makinaw in a statement. Participants included urban First Nations people, leaders and representatives from urban organizations, who touched on such topics as First Nations' evolving needs and priorities in the urban landscape, portability of rights, the intersections of issues and services, and how services can better address urban realities. Edmonton was the first in a series of gatherings to be held as part of the AFN's broader urban strategy to advance the rights and priorities of First Nations living in urban settings and to inform AFN’s work surrounding the federal Urban Aboriginal Strategy.
First Nations entrepreneurs to be recognized for forestry-based business
September 9, 2016. Nominations are now being accepted for the seventh annual Aboriginal Business Leadership Award presented by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and the Forest Products Association of Canada. The $5,000 award recognizes and celebrates First Nations entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies business leadership, exceptional environmental and safety performance and the delivery of high-quality products and services. The recipient must also demonstrate a strong, long-term commitment to the Aboriginal community, particularly in supporting Aboriginal employment. "The forest sector and aboriginal communities work closely together to create and ensure ongoing sustainable economic prosperity," said JP Gladu, the President, and CEO of CCAB. There are now approximately 1,400 Aboriginal-owned (forest-related) businesses in Canada, and about 17,000 Aboriginal Canadians working in the sector, making the forest products industry one of the largest employer for First Nations workers. Nominations for the award will be accepted until Sept. 26. The winner will be acknowledged at the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation Conference in Banff Oct. 19 and 20.
Province appoints federal MMIWG commissioners under Public Inquires Act
September 9, 2016. Orders in Council approved Thursday by the Alberta government appoints the commissioners selected by the federal government for the national murder and missing Indigenous women and girls inquiry under the province’s Public Inquiries Act. In a joint statement delivered by the province’s ministers of Indigenous relations and status of women, they said the five commissioners were given authority “to examine areas of provincial jurisdiction, such as child welfare, education and the justice system – to understand and address causes leading to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.” They said the work in Alberta and the rest of the country needed to lead to “meaningful action” that resulted in the safety of Aboriginal women and girls.