“Partnerships are the engine that will move us forward, but leadership is the fuel that will carry us through,” stated Minister Strahl. “Successful partnerships such as the one we enjoy with the AFN don’t just happen by themselves. They are the product of energy, imagination, and a concerted will to get results. In other words, they are a product of leadership.”
Minister Strahl noted that great progress has been made on numerous fronts such as the residential schools settlement which included an historic apology from the Prime Minister, economic development, housing, safe drinking water, land claim settlements, and the extension of human rights protection to First Nations on reserve.
Citing the example of Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton that uses gross annual revenues of $75-million from band-owned and operated businesses to fund community programs, the Minister stressed that partnerships often extend beyond governmental relationships. “This is an excellent example of a First Nation community that did not wait for the wheels of government to turn but rather went out and forged their own partnerships with public and private sector organizations,” added Minister Strahl.
While challenging his audience to find similar opportunities and willing partners to realize the full potential of their own First Nation communities, he also reaffirmed the federal government’s ongoing commitment to work in partnership with First Nations leadership across the country as well as the provinces and territories to improve the lives of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Nina Chiarelli
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
