Aboriginal leaders call for first ministers meeting

ITK wants more action on education and health

By NUNATSIAQ NEWS

After July 20 talks with the provincial and territorial premiers in Vancouver for a meeting of the Council of the Federation, national aboriginal leaders called for a full first ministers meeting on aboriginal issues. Here Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, speaks at the closing press conference with Shawn Atleo, chief of the Assembly of First Nations Clement Chartier of the Métis National Council,, Jeannette Corbiere Lavell of the Native Women's Assoc. of Canada, Betty Ann Lavallee of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and host B.C. premier Christy Clark. (PHOTO/ ITK)


After July 20 talks with the provincial and territorial premiers in Vancouver for a meeting of the Council of the Federation, national aboriginal leaders called for a full first ministers meeting on aboriginal issues. Here Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, speaks at the closing press conference with Shawn Atleo, chief of the Assembly of First Nations Clement Chartier of the Métis National Council,, Jeannette Corbiere Lavell of the Native Women’s Assoc. of Canada, Betty Ann Lavallee of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and host B.C. premier Christy Clark. (PHOTO/ ITK)

National aboriginal leaders called for a first ministers meeting on aboriginal issues June 20, when they met with provincial and territorial premiers at the Council of the Federation in Vancouver this week to discuss education, economic development, the high incidence of violence against aboriginal women, and help for aboriginal communities facing emergencies.

The chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn Atleo, Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Clement Chartier, president of the Métis National Council, called on all jurisdictions to “fully commit to a full first ministers meeting within 12 months” on these issues, a joint news release from the three organizations said.

A first ministers meeting involves the provincial and territorial premiers and the prime minister — and national aboriginal leaders may also be invited to participate. Called by the prime minister, such meetings are usually held in Ottawa with a set agenda.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders said they need federal government support and more inter-governmental cooperation in areas like education and economic development, advancing indigenous rights and strengthening Indigenous people and communities.

Atleo said a full first ministers meeting could result in action plans on key priorities.

Simon said Inuit education and health, such as mental health, require the attention, focus, and support of all governments.

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