Indigenous leaders express optimism about a Carney-led government for its potential impact on the economy and reconciliation efforts.
CANADA - Sharing their hopes and expectations, Indigenous leaders applaud Prime Minister Mark Carney's eagerness to learn about the unique needs of Indigenous communities. In a conversation with The Canadian Press, Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, expressed confidence in Carney's commitment to carrying on with reconciliation efforts.
Meanwhile, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is optimistic about the new administration, citing Carney's open communication as a strong indication of his readiness to listen. The priorities of both organizations are extensive, encompassing infrastructure development, child welfare reform, promoting clean drinking water, investments in natural resource projects, mental health care, and skills training.
One of Obed's primary concerns revolves around the Nutrition North subsidy, which he wants to transform into a more transparent and user-friendly program due to concerns over its effectiveness in reaching remote Indigenous communities [1]. Carney's platform also promises the establishment of the first-ever Inuit Nunangat University, an institution firmly rooted in Inuit culture and focused on supporting language retention, revitalization, and economic opportunities [4].
To facilitate the university's construction, Obed is waiting for legislative options and a secure fiscal commitment to ensure the project's timely completion, aiming for its opening in 2030 [4]. The new government also plans to increase lands added to reserves within four years, address the $350 billion infrastructure gap in First Nations communities, and introduce legislation affirming First Nations' right to clean drinking water [3].
Among the new parliament's 12 Indigenous MPs across all major parties, Woodhouse Nepinak emphasizes the importance of maintaining the interests of the community at heart. Security for social programs such as the Inuit Child First Initiative, which ensures Inuit children have access to equal social support, is among Obed's primary concerns [4].
"We've made significant strides, but we cannot risk interruptions or drastic departures that slow our progress towards equity, given how far we still lag behind other Canadian populations," Obed stated [4]. Carney's platform also pledges partnership on self-government agreements, a promise of great significance to the Métis people [2].
However, disputes over self-government arrangements stalled under the Trudeau administration, with a court order and disagreements between First Nations communities in Ontario and Métis groups halting the process [2]. In her statement, President Victoria Pruden of the Métis National Council highlights the need for addressing the economic impacts of COVID-19, climate emergencies, and rising living costs [2].
Pruden also underscores the importance of a collaborative approach in the development of self-government agreements, emphasizing the need for direct dialogue between government entities and First Nations prior to any further self-government work commencing [2]. Woodhouse Nepinak shares similar concerns, advocating for addressing perceived issues regarding the lack of traditional land and the necessity of direct dialogue between First Nations and Métis groups before proceeding with self-government agreements [2].
- The government of Canada is optimistic about the new administration's commitment to addressing the unique needs of Indigenous communities, particularly in terms of reconciliation efforts.
- Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, is hopeful about Prime Minister Mark Carney's eagerness to learn and his open communication as strong indicators of his readiness to listen.
- One of Obed's primary concerns revolves around the transparency and effectiveness of the Nutrition North subsidy program in reaching remote Indigenous communities.
- Carney's platform promises the reintroduction of the first-ever Inuit Nunangat University, firmly rooted in Inuit culture and focused on language retention, revitalization, and economic opportunities.
- To facilitate the university's construction, Obed is waiting for legislative options and a secure fiscal commitment to ensure the project's timely completion, aiming for its opening in 2030.
- The new government also plans to address the infrastructure gap in First Nations communities, introduce legislation affirming the right to clean drinking water, and increase lands added to reserves within four years.
- Among the new parliament's 12 Indigenous MPs across all major parties, maintaining the interests of the community is considered of utmost importance.
- Security for social programs like the Inuit Child First Initiative, ensuring Inuit children have equal access to social support, is among Obed's primary concerns.
- President Victoria Pruden of the Métis National Council highlights the need for addressing the economic impacts of COVID-19, climate emergencies, and rising living costs in self-government agreements.
- Pruden also underscores the importance of a collaborative approach in the development of self-government agreements, emphasizing the need for direct dialogue between government entities and First Nations prior to any further self-government work commencing.
- Woodhouse Nepinak shares similar concerns, advocating for the addressing of perceived issues regarding the lack of traditional land and the necessity of direct dialogue between First Nations and Métis groups before proceeding with self-government agreements.
