93.4 New Programs for Native Peoples
[Whereas,] Rationale:
Many of Canada?s native peoples live in extreme poverty, with mounting social problems, compounded by feelings of anger and
hopelessness. Despite expenditures by the federal government which now run to $4 billion per year, their poverty and dependency
persist.
NCWC believes that Canada?s native peoples deserve the opportunity to themselves find better ways to speed economic
development, educate their children, supply the skill training that is needed and address their social problems. NCWC urged the
Government of Canada in 1967 and again in 1991 to consult Canada?s native peoples on any proposed changes in the
administration, development or disposition of Indian lands. It also asked the Government of Canada in 1991 to move quickly to
resolve the issues of settlement of land claims and the issues of self-determination.
[RESOLVED,] The National Council of Women urges the Government of Canada to:
- Place into the hands of First Nations people the necessary consultative processes, and set up mechanisms in
partnerships with First Nations people to move quickly to resolve the settlement of land claims and the issues of self-determination. - Ensure that native women participate as equals in the definition of Native governments, their forms, structures
and powers. - Provide funding on a scale commensurate with the change over to self-government, and the opportunity for
Canada?s native peoples to solve their own problems of poverty and dependency.