On April 30, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples will launch a Reconciliation Toolkit for the private sector. This Toolkit is designed to help businesses, both large and small, take on the task of reconciliation. “Canadian society can’t and shouldn’t wait for government to lead on reconciliation,” said CAP National Chief Robert Bertrand. “There is so much we can … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is outraged by the federal budget as the government continues to ignore the needs of the Métis, status and non-status Indians, and Southern Inuit Indigenous people living off-reserve in Canada. Budget 2019 commits no new dollars for CAP or programs and services dedicated for the off-reserve population (except for investments to … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is calling for hasty intervention for Joey Toutsaint, a Dene man from northern Saskatchewan, to be released from solitary confinement. He has spent more than 2,000 days in segregation at various federal institutions. “Despite progress with Bill C-83 and the proposed measures that may address Indigenous offenders and their need for specific … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is outraged that the federal government has continued the exclusion of off-reserve, Métis and non-status Indigenous children in their new child welfare legislation as Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O’Regan (St. John’s South–Mount Pearl, Nfld.) tabled the legislation as Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. “The federal government has a responsibility … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples welcomes Bill C-91, the Indigenous Languages Act, and the establishment of an Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages. CAP Chief Robert Bertrand commented on the cultural significance of language and noted that urban and off-reserve Indigenous peoples have unique challenges and must be considered in the maintenance and support of Indigenous … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ National Chief, Vice-Chief and Board of Directors celebrated the signing of a renewed Political Accord with the federal government. “For the first time, we have an agreement with government that recognizes the Supreme Court of Canada’s CAP Daniels decision and sets out a path toward implementation,” said National Chief Robert Bertrand, who along with Vice-Chief … Read more
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ National Chief Robert Bertrand is disappointed that the Federal Government continues to exclude CAP as one of the five National Indigenous Organizations. The Prime Minister’s Office informed CAP that during their upcoming meeting, the First Ministers will meet with only leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples commemorates National Aboriginal Veterans Day, in honour of all Indigenous peoples who have served for Canada. “I will be honoured to attend the November 11th ceremonies at the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument and the National War Memorial in Ottawa. We owe these veterans our deepest gratitude and offer prayers in memory of … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and Native Alliance of Quebec are concerned with media reports about fake Indian status cards. The NAQ issues membership cards to their constituency, not for tax purposes. These cards are used primarily to demonstrate a sense of belonging and secondly to access services offered through NAQ. On their website, the Alliance specifically … Read more
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is pleased with the introduction of Bill C-83, Corrections and Conditional Release Act, tabled by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale (Regina-Wascana, Sask.). “Bill C-83 is an important step forward to ensure the humane treatment of all inmates and tackle discrimination against Indigenous peoples within the Corrections system. This is merely a first step. CAP believes … Read more
