Minister Raises Aboriginal Issues

Michael Baker, Nova Scotia's Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, is pushing some key issues at a meeting of aboriginal leaders and federal and provincial ministers in Ottawa.

Under the new Federal/Provincial/Territorial/Aboriginal Forum, ministers and aboriginal leaders are working to identify priorities that need to be addressed at a national level.

They endorsed a report on a National Aboriginal Youth Strategy which focuses on addressing the needs and concerns of First Nations youth. The steering committee of officials was directed to monitor progress on achieving the objectives of the strategy and to report regularly to ministers and leaders.

It was agreed that planning should proceed for a national aboriginal youth conference as early as possible in 2000 that would allow aboriginal youth to contribute to the youth strategy and to provide a national forum to hear directly from aboriginal youth.

"We think it's crucial that we identify specific targets where we know improvements can be made," said Mr. Baker. "First Nations organizations have identified many issues that we need to talk about."

He added that governments and aboriginal groups must find ways to work collaboratively to resolve many of the difficult issues.

Mr. Baker said he applauds the efforts of two national working groups formed following the last ministers' meeting.

"This is the kind of open consultation that will lead to practical, workable solutions in each of our jurisdictions," said Mr. Baker.

"We recognize that priorities may differ among the provinces and territories. But the overall goal is the same: to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions of aboriginal people in Canada."