News from the Nations

Assembly of First Nations

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde expressed support for the key investments and a new approach based on recognizing First Nations rights that will support a better quality of life for First Nations as set out in today’s Alternative Federal Budget, “Delivering the Good”, released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

The Alternative Federal Budget (AFB) calls for removing the 2% cap on funding increases to First Nations that has been in place since 1996. The cap does not keep pace with needs, population growth or inflation and the results are devastating to First Nations people, communities and economies. The AFB calls for removal of the 2% cap to be replaced by funding based on real needs and costs as well as a new fiscal relationship that reflects the spirit and intent of the Treaties and inherent First Nations jurisdiction.

The AFB sets out targeted investments and approaches across the broad themes of Implementing First Nations Rights (including a new fiscal relationship, removing the 2% cap and Treaty implementation and recognition of First Nations rights), Removing Barriers to Education and Economic Opportunities (action and investments in education, employment and training), Meeting Basic Needs (investing in health, housing and drinking water), and Ensuring Safety and Security in First Nations Communities (action to prevent violence against First Nations women and girls including a national inquiry, support for Indian residential schools survivors, initiatives in justice and corrections including support for First Nations justice systems and First Nations policing).

Heitkamp Offers Amendments to Pave a Better Future for Native

Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today introduced an amendment to the Senate budget for 2016 that would address cyclical challenges faced by children living in Indian country.

The Commission on Native Children would work to identify the complex challenges faced by Native children in North Dakota and across the United States by conducting a comprehensive study on issues – including high rates of poverty, staggering unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and dire economic opportunities – and making recommendations on how to make sure Native children receive the protections, as well as economic and educational tools they need to thrive. Her bill unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs just two weeks after its reintroduction this Congress, and Heitkamp is committed to its creation both in the Senate budget and through its passage on the floor of the Senate.