- The Assembly of First Nations held its Annual General Assembly in Montreal in Haaudenosauncee or Mohawak territory, July 7th to 9th. One thousand delegates and observers attended, others listening through the AGA webcast. The National chief, Perry Bellegarde, reported that the belief is “widespread that first nations can play a powerful role in choosing the direction of the country.” Paul Martin spoke at a special session on education, telling the audience that the coming general election was an opportunity for the First Nations to make a public case for more education funding & explain why they must control their own system. The National chiefs passed a resolution for a National Indigenous Energy Forum. Other resolutions were for the support and direction for the full implementation of the report of the Truth and Reconciliation commission, the revitalizing of indigenous languages, the ongoing issue of missing and murdered native women and girls, the implementation of the U.N. Declaration of the rights of indigenous peoples, treaties, land rights and claims, and child welfare.
- Within the parameters of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples the Minerva organization is offering a free leadership course for Aboriginal women in Prince Albert, B.C. As well, the Congress has accepted from the federal government a grant of $750,000 for a 36 month project entitled, “Engaging Men and Boys as Leaders in Raising Awareness of, and in Preventing violence against Aboriginal Women.”
- The Annual meeting of Premiers and national Aboriginal leaders was held in Goose Bay, Labrador in July. Premier Wall of Saskatchewan was absent. They resolved to cooperate in working on the issue of violence against women and will also be cooperating on a project with Canada and the Metis nation, with a view to recommend within s.35 of the constitution a Metis Rights framework. Ontario will host the next National Aboriginal Women’s Summit.
- McMaster University has registered 14 undergraduate students from across the province to in a course to facilitate the number of Aboriginal students doing doing graduate work. Universities Canada notes in a recent report that 9.8 of indigenous people in Canada have a university degree.
- Bryon Bates, a councillor from the Fort McMurray First Nations calls for the cleanup of a massive pipeline spill in northern Alberta to be carried out with regard for the long term future of the land. The company’s representative says the band has full access to the site and cleanup plans.
- The Manitoba government plans to make an education centre for the large number of first nations residents in north Winnipeg, by transforming the Merchant’s Hotel, previously a clubhouse for gangs and drug vendors. There will be university classes by day, and from 4:30 p.m. the project will provide instruction by Pathways to Education. It will also feature daycare, literacy classes, a café and 30 units of affordable housing.
- Globe and Mail reporter, Tom Flanagan (July 20, 2015) summarizes the Conservative government’s measures that support Aborignal rights and contribute financially to their welfare during its tenure. He concludes that the government has been “financially generous beyond the standards of any past government Liberal or Conservative.”
- Between 2007 and 2014 Aboriginal women have been outperforming native men and non-aboriginal people in obtaining work. Many are finding good jobs.