A Big Blow...

...to the Indian Industry:

Aboriginal Affairs minister defends government’s aboriginal policies

"Months after the Idle No More movement spawned commitments to discuss treaty implementation and comprehensive claims, some groups have been dismayed with the federal government’s plans to cut project funding to aboriginal organizations.

But Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt says the move won’t affect essential services in First Nations communities, and that the groups should seek other sources of funding.

“Some groups, they have this sense of entitlement because year after year after year, project money was coming,” Valcourt told Postmedia News. “I think that Canadians would agree that if your advocacy group wants to advocate for certain things, that their supporters should fund them to an extent.”"

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"Valcourt made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with Postmedia News – one of his first since becoming minister in February – in which he defended the government’s aboriginal policies, including how it consults with First Nations, its plans for education on reserves and how it’s handling the issue of violence against indigenous women.

A June 3 letter from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to 43 aboriginal organizations outlines changes to the way their projects will be funded,..."

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"Valcourt said the changes won’t affect areas such as housing, infrastructure and social services, and would leave funds to focus on “shared priorities” such as economic development.

“I don’t equate progress with funding for advocacy groups or national organizations or regional organizations..."

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"Atleo has called for “transformative change” in the government’s treatment of First Nations. The Harper government approach, by contrast, has been to chip away at the Indian Act bit by bit; Valcourt cites the First Nations Land Management Regime, which he says gives those who opt in more control over their own land."

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"Conservative legislative efforts, Valcourt said, “are all consistent with this incremental approach helping First Nations get out of the Indian Act,” he said. “We will not get rid of this Indian Act overnight, this is impossible. We’re going to go incrementally.”"

Whatever will the Industry whine about if this is successful?