Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Leaders of National Aboriginal Organizations

REGINA, Saskatchewan, April 18, 1997 -- Provincial and territorial Aboriginal Affairs Ministers or their designates met today. During the afternoon they also met with representatives of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, Métis National Council of Women, National Association of Friendship Centres and the Pauktuutit Inuit Women's Association of Canada to discuss the impact of social policy on Aboriginal peoples. Manitoba presented a draft paper setting out options directed at having the federal government accept their responsibilities for programming for Aboriginal peoples both on and off reserve.

The options will be subject to further Aboriginal input and further consideration by provincial and territorial governments.

During the morning, the Ministers present agreed that the onus is on the federal government to take the lead in responding to and acting on the report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. The Ministers noted that the federal government has constitutional responsibility for Aboriginal peoples and that the Royal Commission was constituted by the federal government.

The provinces and territories also shared information on the practical measures being implemented across the country with respect to economic development. The discussion included strategies which would foster economic growth, jobs, investment and self-reliance in Aboriginal communities, as well as partnerships between Aboriginal businesses and the broader private sector. In addition provinces and territories provided updates on steps being taken toward self-government.

In closing, Ministers and the representatives of the Aboriginal organizations emphasized the value of opportunities presented by meetings such as this to share information and to discuss issues of mutual interest.