In Parliament >> Aboriginal Affairs

Aboriginal Affairs

On January 30, 2004 I was sworn into the Queen's Privy Council as Parliamentary Assistant to Prime Minister Paul Martin with special emphasis on Aboriginal Affairs.

I was very happy to have a number of long-time friends present at the ceremony. These included Chief Kim Recalma of the Qualicum First Nation and Clan Chief Adam Dick of the Kwagiulth Nation, who travelled from British Columbia.

I felt honoured also by the attendance of Phil Fontaine, Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and Tony Belcourt, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario.

Ministry of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Mandate, Roles and Responsibilities

INAC is responsible for two separate yet equally important mandates: Indian and Inuit Affairs and Northern Affairs. This broad mandate is derived largely from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Act, the Indian Act, territorial acts and legal obligations arising from section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867; however, the department is responsible for administering over 50 statutes in total [Note 1]. Consequently, INAC’s mandate is complex and its responsibilities encompass a broad range of services.

In general, INAC has primary, but not exclusive, responsibility for meeting the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Northerners. To fulfill this mandate, INAC must work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Northerners, as well as with other federal departments and agencies, provinces and territories. Increasingly, INAC’s role has become one of facilitating change and bringing together the partners and interests needed to implement Gathering Strength — Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan.

There are 19 INAC programs and services listed in Services for First Nations People. Find out more about these programs and services.

Aboriginal Affairs – Heritage Canada

Our Vision...

Flourishing Aboriginal societies participating fully in the life of a Canada enriched by Aboriginal contributions, cultures and heritage, and a relationship between government and Canadian citizens founded on dialogue and mutual respect.

Our Mission...

Towards strong Aboriginal organizations, communities, cultures and languages based on true partnership, mutual understanding and inclusion.

Aboriginal Peoples’ Program

The Aboriginal Peoples’ Program (APP) supports the full participation and cultural revitalization of Aboriginal People in Canadian society. It enables Aboriginal Peoples to address the social, cultural, economic and political issues affecting their lives.

The APP is structured under three distinct components: Aboriginal Organizations, Aboriginal Communities, and Aboriginal Living Cultures.Application requirements along with the general application can be found below:

1. Aboriginal Organizations : provides support to key national, provincial, territorial, and regional Aboriginal organizations to ensure Aboriginal perspectives are reflected in the development of government policies and programs.

  • Representative Organizations
    [ HTML ] - [ PDF ]
  • National Women’s Organizations
     [ HTML ] - [ PDF ]

2. Aboriginal Communities :supports the efforts of Aboriginal communities to strengthen Aboriginal cultural identity and participation in Canadian society.

Youth

Communities

  • Aboriginal Friendship Centres
    [ HTML ] - [ PDF ]

Women

  • Women’s Community Initiatives/Women’s Self-Government Participation/Family Violence Initiative
    [ HTML ] - [ PDF ]

3. Aboriginal Living Cultures: supports the efforts of Aboriginal communities to preserve, revitalize and promote Aboriginal languages and cultures as living cultures.

Languages and Cultures

Broadcasting

Return to top

Home About Andrew Services In Parliament Citizenship Links Contact Us Share on Facebook
Powered by Digital North media