The Aboriginal Work Force: What Lies Ahead

• Main Author: François Lamontagne
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2004
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.492.1311; http://www.turtleisland.org/news/work0904.pdf

The February 2004 Speech from the Throne signals a renewed commitment by the federal government to Aboriginal development. The creation of the Independent Centre for First Nations Government, of the Aboriginal Affairs Cabinet Committee – chaired by Prime Minister Paul Martin, and an expansion of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy are evidence of the federal government commitment to strengthen its relationship with Aboriginal peoples. This renewed commitment by the federal government to Aboriginal development is timely. From an Aboriginal perspective, better health care and housing, increased employment and economic opportunities, and strengthened organizational capacity at local, regional and national levels are required if equity and poverty reduction are to be achieved. Responding to the Speech from the Throne, National Chief Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations stated that ‘[Aboriginal communities and the federal government] must work to create opportunities for our youth now and in the future ’ and that ‘education and skills development are key components of this work. ’ In fostering such opportunities, we