Publication Released on First Nations, Inuit and Northern Community Planning Experiences 2-02491 OTTAWA (May 3, 2004) – A community planning publication called Sharing the Story: Experiences in First Nations, Inuit and Northern Communities - Comprehensive Community Planning has been released. The publication is a rich collection of unique community profiles that shares the voices, knowledge and community planning experiences of 17 First Nations, Inuit and Northern communities across Canada. It is a tool for community members, leaders, and administrators to promote discussion and explore approaches to planning issues communities face. The collection of stories was initially launched at a two-day workshop on comprehensive community planning that brought together the communities involved in producing the publication, who came together to discuss the importance of comprehensive planning to their culture, health, prosperity, and physical and social development. "When we started the (planning) process, our theme was really survival. Now we're finding ways to move ahead; everyone here has found a way," said Leah George Wilson from Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, a coastal Salish community near Vancouver. Research for the publication was done under the guidance of the First Nations and Inuit Comprehensive Community Planning Working Group. Membership included representatives from a selection of Aboriginal communities, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Public Works and Government Services Canada. Printed copies of the publication and the final report of the community planning workshop are available from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada by calling toll-free 1-800-567-9604; TTY only 1-866-553-0554. More information on the Sharing the Story series is available through the Internet at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/pub/index_e.html and http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/rps/inac For further information contact: Patricia Valladao Media Relations, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (819) 997-8404 Lucie Côté Public Works and Government Services Canada (819) 956-2332 Phil Deacon Senior Researcher, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (613) 748-2429
