Introduction

Good afternoon.

I would like to express my appreciation to the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) for the opportunity to address the participants this afternoon.

I would like to acknowledge Cindy Blackstock and her colleagues for an informative and lively discussion yesterday.

The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) has been directed to be active in issues relating to Aboriginal specific programming for children between the ages 6 - 12 yrs old.

In addition, the persistence of child hunger and food insecurity remains endemic in too many urban Aboriginal families and must be addressed.

I would take this opportunity to acknowlege the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) for their efforts in developing thoughtful and insightful policy research and tools in these key areas for; Aboriginal children and their families; Community activists, governments at all levels.

Our Capacity

We are pleased with the elevation of the Hon. John Godfrey, Minister of State for Cities which we believe is a positive sign.

Mr. Godfrey was the former chair of the House Sub‑Committee on Youth at Risk which released its report, “Building a Brighter Future for Urban Aboriginal Children (June 2003)”, which specifically noted that “NAFC has the largest network of urban Aboriginal service centres in Canada”

The Hon. John Godfrey has long been supportive of child development policy. We must be vigilant that his commitment is sustained around the cabinet table.

We believe that the existing “disequilibrium” that results in almost 90% of Aboriginal specific funding being targeted to First Nations on reserve with little urban Aboriginal specific programming being made available.

Almost 70% of Aboriginal peoples live off-reserve. There can be no doubt that the creation of “have” and “have nots” amongst the Aboriginal family; First Nation, Metis and Inuit has been allowed to persist for far too long.

Many commentaries have suggested that redirecting funding from First Nations communities to address funding pressures in the urban Aboriginal context is an option of consideration.

Let me Be very clear on this. The pressures faced by First Nations communities are extraordinary. We do not support efforts that would redirect urgently needed resources from first nations communities. While this may be a political and convenient policy response, “Robbing Peter to pay Paul” is a non-solution!

It is time for all government to “pony up” and meet their domestic and international commitments and obligations.

Our Commitment

We are committed to improving the quality of life for all aboriginal children and their families in our remote, rural and urban communities. Our commitment remains undiminished.

To emphasize this point, our most recent detailed analysis for fiscal year 2002/2003 demonstrates that Friendship Centres reach a client base of 757,540 through 904 programs and services through the Aboriginal Friedship Centre Program.

Without a doubt, there exists no singular organization that touches the lives of Aboriginal peoples in remote, rural and urban communities in reaching almost 80% of the Aboriginal population.

We believe that our approach to grassroots community development, earned through a generation of “blood, sweat and tears” has garnered us a tremendous amount of good will and support throughout Canada.

Indeed, we have been joined by both the House Committee on Youth at Risk and Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples in our calls for greater attention and focus to urban Aboriginal chilren and their families.

In this regard, “status-blind” approaches have been examined and form many of the recommendations therein.

We believe that the evidence exists that suggests that no expense be spared in investing in the future of urban Aboriginal children and their families, seeking a renewed relationship with urban Aboriginal peoples

On May 3, 2002 during last year’s leadership challenge, the Right Hon. Paul Martin, stated, “Does the federal government have jurisdiction when Aboriginals move to larger cities? Well let me tell you something. I don’t know who has jurisdiction but I know that we have a massive moral responsibility to help the people who have moved and we have a massive moral responsibility to help [them stay] ”

During the most recent CBC Townhall, February 4, 2004, the Right Hon. Paul Martin stated, "The fact is 52% of aboriginal Canadians now live in cities and the federal government under its guise has no jurisdictional responsibility. I think we have to set that aside. Look, I don't want to get involved in the question of jurisdiction. I don't think that because 52% of aboriginals live in cities that the federal government should wash their hands "

and further stated....

“I have said essentially that there are two areas that I will deem my mandate to have been a failure. One is the issue of western alienation, which I don't believe is a myth. I think it is a reality, and I am determined to do something about it, and the second one is the issue we're just talking about now and that is aboriginal”

There is an abundance of evidence suggesting that the Right Hon. Paul Martin will seriously tackle the most pressing issues faced by urban Aboriginal peoples.

We call on the Prime Minister to translate words into substantive action

Options for consideration

Some policy actions that are worthy for consideration include;

• rigorous enforcement of the accountability provisions set forth in existing agreements; Canada Social Transfer, Canada Health Transfer, Social Union Framework that support child development activities;

• build upon existing commitments in the Multilateral Framework for early childhood development;

Concluding Thoughts

Friendship Centres must be included in the design, delivery and administration of initiatives that address early childhood development and child focused programs, services and supports

The challenges faced by aboriginal children and their families are enormous. It is how we address these challenges will define the character of our nation today and into the future. We can work together in building a better future for all children.

We must marshal the expertise, skills and “intellectual muscle” present within your networks and communities.

It is a positive step.

Thank you.