1 December 2011 - Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that a Crown-First Nations Gathering will take place on January 24, 2012 in the National Capital Region. During the Gathering, the Prime Minister, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development John Duncan and other representatives of the Government of Canada will meet with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and a delegation of First Nation Chiefs to discuss key priority areas. The announcement was made today following a meeting in Ottawa between Prime Minister Harper and National Chief Atleo.
“Our Government is taking real action to address important and pressing issues in First Nations communities,” said Prime Minister Harper. “I look forward to meeting with First Nations representatives early in the new year to determine how we can work together to further improve the quality of life and long-term economic prosperity of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples.”
The Crown-First Nations Gathering will be an opportunity for the Government and the First Nations to discuss and identify ways for Canada’s Aboriginal peoples to benefit from increased social and economic participation in Canadian society and improved living conditions in First Nations communities.
The opening remarks and plenary closing sessions will be webcast, and interactive breakout sessions will allow First Nations leaders from across the country to participate in real-time using webinar technology.
The Gathering will build on the Canada-First Nations Joint Action Plan that was agreed to by the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations in June 2011. Both the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations committed to advancing a constructive relationship based on the core principles of mutual understanding, respect, ensuring mutually acceptable outcomes and accountability.
For more information on the Canada-First Nations Joint Action Plan, visit: http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1314718067733.
