The federal government is trumpeting the progress it says it has made on First Nations issues.
In a release, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt says it is nearing two years since Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Aboriginal leaders in a historic gathering between the Crown and First Nations.
Since that time, he says “significant progress” has been made towards reaching those commitments:
“Our government has worked with the Assembly of First Nations and First Nations partners in creating an improved and more transparent financial relationship.”
The passage of the First Nations Financial Transparency Act and the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act are held up as two important pieces of legislation that have been passed.
Valcourt says the Comprehensive Claims Policy is also being renewed through the establishment of a senior oversight committee.
Efforts to create a First Nation Education Act are also highlighted, along with the decision to extend the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission until June 30, 2015.
The minister says “there are no quick fixes”, but his government will continue to work with First Nations to deliver “real, concrete results” for communities.