Canada and First Nations have an enduring historic relationship based on mutual respect, friendship and support. Under this government, there has been a shift in Canada's relationship with First Nations, exemplified by the Prime Minister's historic apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools, the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the launch of the Specific Claims Tribunal, and the endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Building on this relationship, Canada as represented by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and First Nations as represented by the Assembly of First Nations National Chief agree to a joint action plan to improve the long-term prosperity for First Nations people and all Canadians.
Through the Canada – First Nation Joint Action Plan (The Plan), Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) commit to advancing a constructive relationship based on the core principles of mutual understanding, respect, ensuring mutually acceptable outcomes and accountability.
The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations are working on multiple initiatives jointly and in parallel to improve the lives of First Nations across Canada. While this plan does not comprise the full extent of the work underway between AANDC and AFN it is intended to guide some of our actions going forward.
The Plan is intended to strengthen the Crown-First Nation relationship at the national level and will not adversely affect or impair any existing or new Crown - First Nations initiatives on a regional or local basis.
The Joint Action Plan is based on common goals and shared principles. On these bases we have identified shared priority areas for action and commit to work together in making concrete and practical progress which will benefit First Nations and all citizens through:
- Improving relationships and strong partnerships between Canada and First Nations respectful of Aboriginal and Treaty rights as recognized and affirmed in the Constitution Act, 1982
- Building effective, appropriate, transparent and fully accountable governance structures
- Empowering success of individuals through access to education and opportunity
- Enabling strong, sustainable, and self-sufficient communities
- Creating conditions to accelerate economic development opportunities and maximize benefits for all Canadians
- Respecting the role of First Nations' culture and language in our history and future
Canada and the Assembly of First Nations recognize the importance of communication and coordination to advance clear, attainable goals that will contribute to longer term positive change in respect to:
- Education
- Accountability, transparency, capacity and good governance
- Economic development
- Negotiation and Implementation
AANDC and the AFN commit to:
Finally, AANDC and the AFN will prepare options for the possibility of holding a First Nations-Crown Gathering. This could also provide a forum for joint discussions and presentations by First Nations, Governments, and key stakeholders.
