Topic: Today’s News

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) stands in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en First Nation in its fight to protect its territory from the construction and operation of any pipeline project without its consent. 

In October 2018, the Government of Canada authorized the construction of the Coastal Gaslink Pipeline on the territory of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation without having obtained the community’s consent and without having duly consulted and accommodated the community. Despicably, the Government of Canada even took the liberty of sending the RCMP to the Wet’suwet’en territory in January 2019 to violently arrest community members who were physically opposing the construction of the project. 

“It is frustrating and disappointing that the Government of Canada is once again committing to the principles of free, prior and informed consent on the one hand, but on the other hand, allowing projects without seeking to work with the First Nations directly affected by them. Clearly, no project will be viable if it is imposed by force on First Nations communities,” said AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard. 

The AFNQL reiterates that no project affecting the territory and resources should be allowed to be authorized or built on the territory of a First Nation if the First Nation has not expressed its consent and has not been duly consulted or accommodated. Otherwise, this would infringe on the constitutional rights of First Nations and would impede our inherent right to use and protect our traditional territories and the resources found therein. 

About the AFNQL The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL 

British Columbia’s Supreme Court says a mother has failed to establish that Indigenous ceremonies performed in her children’s classrooms interfered with their religious freedoms.

Candice Servatius of Port Alberni argued the religious freedoms of her daughter and son were infringed upon by having to participate in smudging and hoop dance ceremonies, but the court ruled Wednesday she did not establish infringement of religious freedoms.

Servatius, who filed her lawsuit against the Board of Education of School District 70 and the Ministry of the Attorney General, said her children had to participate in a classroom smudging ceremony, which involved burning sage and an assembly where a hoop dance and prayer were performed.

Servatius is disappointed and considering an appeal, said her lawyer, Jay Cameron.

Judith Sayers, president of the 14-member Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, which participated in the case as an intervener, said the decision was a victory for children and their education.

Justice Douglas Thompson said Servatius did not prove there was an infringement of religious freedoms.

“The petitioner has failed to establish that the Nuu-chah-nulth smudging in her children’s classrooms or the prayer said by the hoop dancer at the school assembly interfered with her or her children’s ability to act in accordance with their religious beliefs,” he wrote.

Servatius, who is an evangelical Christian, argued the school district should be prohibited from holding similar school events in the future.

The court heard the Indigenous events took place in the 2015-16 school year at John Howitt Elementary School in Port Alberni where the children, who were nine and seven years old, were students.

Cameron said the children were required to participate in ceremonies against their religious beliefs.

“You can show a cleansing demonstration of a smudge on a video screen, on a TV,” he said in an interview. “You can read about it in books. But to actually have the ceremony done to cleanse the energy of the classroom that you’re in, we say that steps over the line of what’s permissible in the use of state authority.”

Sayers said smudge and hoop dance ceremonies are considered cultural traditions and she rejected the argument trying to categorize them as Nuu-chah-nulth religious practices.

She said the court decision helps bring more understanding and focus on the Port Alberni area’s long-standing Indigenous presence.

“It allows Nuu-chah-nulth to continue to teach in the school district about our culture to all children, not just Nuu-chah-nulth children,” said Sayers. “But it also helps to make Nuu-chah-nulth children feel comfortable in their schools.”

New federal child welfare legislation, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children youth and families, is coming into force on January 1, 2020.
This legislation will bring significant positive changes to First Nations Child and Family Services, while affirming the inherent right and jurisdiction of First Nations in the area of child and family services.

The information sheet attached is intended to provide information and answer critical questions you will need to know on day one of the legislation coming into force January 1, 2020.

For more information please contact Martin Orr at morr@afn.ca or via telephone 613-241-6789 ext. 212

Dr. Nadine Caron — Canada’s first female First Nations general surgeon — has been appointed to a newly created UBC position dedicated to improving cancer outcomes and wellness among Indigenous peoples.

As the founding First Nations Health Authority Chair (FNHA) in Cancer and Wellness at UBC, Caron will examine the journeys and unique needs of Indigenous cancer patients, survivors and their families.

“The selection of Dr. Nadine Caron as chair for this groundbreaking initiative is of the utmost interest to the First Nations of B.C. She is focused on an area of growing concern, as we are seeing poorer outcomes for Indigenous peoples with some cancers. The addition of a wellness focus will be an important contribution to treatment and care,” says Richard Jock, acting chief executive officer of the FNHA.

The position, supported by a $1.5 million contribution from the FNHA, with matching funds from UBC, aims to address the disparity in cancer health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in B.C. Research has shown that some cancers, including colorectal and cervical, are significantly higher among First Nations residents in B.C. and survival from almost all cancer types is lower compared to non-First Nations residents.

“The centuries-old knowledge of the importance of wellness, integral to Indigenous traditional learnings, is now a critical principle informing twenty-first century health care,” says Dr. Dermot Kelleher, dean of UBC’s faculty of medicine and vice president, health, at UBC. “We are delighted that Dr. Caron now holds the inaugural First Nations Health Authority Chair in Cancer and Wellness dedicated to transforming health for everyone.”

As chair, Caron, who also serves as the co-director of UBC’s Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health (CEIH), will adopt a holistic approach while developing strategies to prevent and address cancer among Indigenous peoples, acknowledging how colonization, racism, marginalization and poverty have led to the current disparity in health outcomes.

Over the course of her five-year term, Caron will focus on collecting and reporting on Indigenous cancer experiences and outcomes, and better understanding the healthcare system’s responsiveness to Indigenous cancer care needs. She will also provide training and mentorship to faculty, students and staff, while promoting provincial and national partnerships to advance Indigenous health.

“With all of us working together to bring Indigenous voices and perspectives forward, our tomorrow looks promising.” – Nadine Caron

“I am honoured to serve as the founding First Nations Health Authority Chair in Cancer and Wellness at UBC,” says Caron, who lives in Prince George and provides surgical oncology care to B.C.’s rural populations. “It will take time to have the impact that our partnership aims to achieve along the entire cancer prevention and care spectrum — to better understand where we are and change these outcomes. Now we can say our responsibility starts here; the impact starts now. With all of us working together to bring Indigenous voices and perspectives forward, our tomorrow looks promising.”

The chair, representing a partnership between the UBC faculty of medicine’s school of population and public health and the FNHA, will work closely with the university’s Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, which was created in 2014 to improve recruitment and retention of Indigenous students into the health professions, develop curricula addressing Indigenous health concerns, and conduct further research into Indigenous health.

This take over by Indigenous playwright Reneltta Arluk, sets Pawâkan Macbeth in Cree territory in 1870s Alberta, with the cannibal spirit, Wihtiko. 

Pawâkan Macbeth is set before colonization, when Plains Cree were allied with Stoney Nakoda, and at war with Blackfoot over territory, food, supplies and trade. The Canadian Government were making their way west with Sir John A. MacDonald as its leader. Harsh environments brought immense fear, starvation, and uncertainty together to awaken the darkest of Cree spirits, the Wihtiko – a being with an insatiable greed. Through the exploration of Cree language, history, stories and cosmology Arluk asks, What is it to be human? What makes a human vulnerable to the Wihtiko? Inspired by working with the youth of Frog Lake First Nation, and shared stories from Elders in the Treaty 6 region, Arluk has created a terrifying journey through love, greed, honour and betrayal, with coyote howlers teaching us that resurgence requires balance. 

Pawâkan Macbeth is a full length play commissioned by The Stratford Festival. This community telling of Pawâkan Macbeth embarks on a 2020 tour of Treaty 6 territory, bringing professional theatre into Indigenous communities – for the first time. 

“First Nations schools in Alberta are required to learn Shakespeare as part of their English curriculum. The inspiration of taking over Macbeth was to offer Indigenous youth a First Nations perspective of the play that lessens the language barrier and heightens the story. Bringing Pawâkan Macbeth to Indigenous communities centralizes the story around them. A community telling of Pawâkan Macbeth connects to the story with land and all it inspires,” says Arluk. 

Written and directed by Reneltta Arluk, with Barry Bilinsky as Assistant Director, Pawâkan Macbeth features an incredibly talented all Indigenous cast with: Sophie Merasty, Joel Montgrand, Allyson Pratt, Mitch Saddleback, Aaron Wells and Kaitlyn Yott. 

TREATY 6 PERFORMANCE DATES – all shows are FREE: 

• Jan 27 – 1pm – Maskwacis – Nipisihkopahk Secondary School 

• Jan 28 – 5pm – Saddle Lake First Nation – Kihew Asiniy Education Centre 

• Jan 29 – 10:30am – Saddle Lake First Nation – Kihew Asiniy Education Centre 

• Jan 30 – 12:45pm and 5pm – Kehewin First Nation – Kehewin Community Education Centre 

• Jan 31 – 12:45pm – Frog Lake First Nation – Chief Napeweau School 

• Feb 1 – 5:00pm – Frog Lake First Nation – Chief Napeweau School 

Pawâkan Macbeth is part of Edmonton’s Chinook Series 2020, in partnership with Azimuth Theatre’s Expanse Festival on Feb 6 at 7pm, Feb 7 at 2pm and 8:30pm, and Feb 8 at 2pm. Venue: Backstage Theatre, ATB Financial Arts Barns, 10330 – 84 Ave NW. Tickets are $25 and available at www.chinookseries.ca or by phone at (780) 409-1910. Offer What You Will tickets are also available at the door.

 For Ages 14 & up. Show is 90 min. INFO: www.akpiktheatre.com. Facebook & Instagram: @akpiktheatre. A production of Akpik Theatre, Pawâkan Macbeth is produced with the support of Canada Council for the Arts, Canada Council for the Arts’ New Chapter program, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the Dekker Centre, Azimuth Theatre, and Northern Arts Cultural Centre.

Committee disturbed by law enforcement’s ‘disproportionate use of force, harassment’ against Indigenous people

A United Nations committee working to end racism is urging Canada to immediately stop the construction of three major resource projects in B.C. until it obtains approval from affected First Nations.

The committee on the elimination of racial discrimination monitors a convention to end racial discrimination signed by countries including Canada, and is calling for a suspension of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, Site C dam and Coastal GasLink pipeline.

The committee of 18 experts said in a written directive last month that it is concerned by the approval and construction of the three projects without the free, prior and informed consent of impacted Indigenous groups.

It also said it’s disturbed by law enforcement’s “forced removal, disproportionate use of force, harassment and intimidation” and “escalating threat of violence” against Indigenous people.

Trans Mountain Corp., the Crown corporation building the pipeline expansion, said it is approved and moving forward with construction safely and in respect of communities.

BC Hydro said it has been consulting with affected First Nations on Site C since 2007 and has reached benefit agreements with most of them.

“The Canadian courts have reviewed our consultation with certain First Nations, and found it to be adequate and to have appropriately accommodated their interests,” the utility said in a statement.

“To date, more than $230 million in Site C procurement opportunities has been committed to Indigenous companies. In addition, we have around 400 Indigenous peoples currently working on the project.”

The Canadian government, Coastal GasLink and RCMP did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The UN committee has previously demanded a halt to the Site C project in in northeast British Columbia, which is opposed by the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations. However, this marks the first time it has called for a stop to the Trans Mountain and Coastal GasLink projects.

The right to “free, prior and informed consent” to resource projects is part of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which Canada has adopted but has not incorporated into law.

The B.C. government has committed to adapt its laws to meet the aims of the UN resolution, but has not yet begun amending legislation.

The UN committee recommends Canada establish a legal and institutional framework to ensure adequate consultation to obtain free, prior and informed consent, and freeze present and future approval of large-scale development projects that don’t meet that level of consent.

Members of the Wet’suwet’en have attempted to block construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline near Smithers, B.C. The natural gas pipeline is part of the massive $40-billion LNG Canada project.

On Saturday, hereditary chiefs with the First Nation issued a letter advising the company it was “trespassing” on unceded territory and demanding it vacate the premises.

The company has said only security staff were present on the weekend and they complied with the eviction notice, but it plans to resume construction this week after a holiday break.

A protest group calling itself the Tiny House Warriors has built tiny homes in the path of the Trans Mountain pipeline on Secwepemc territory in B.C.’s Interior.

The UN committee said it’s particularly alarmed by the reported arrest and detainment of a Secwepemc demonstrator in October.

The committee calls on Canada to immediately cease the “forced eviction” of Secwepemc and Wet’suwet’en people, and guarantee no force will be used against the two groups.

It also calls for the RCMP and other security and police to withdraw from their traditional lands.

Au détriment des enfants des Premières Nations, le gouvernement de François Legault préfère soulever une guerre de juridiction plutôt que d’appuyer les gouvernements des Premières Nations qui veulent mettre fin à un régime de protection de la jeunesse déficient depuis des décennies. 

Au nom de sa juridiction qu’il prétend exclusive, le gouvernement Legault conteste devant les tribunaux une loi fédérale qui confirme aux Premières Nations leur autorité et leur compétence en matière de services aux enfants et à leurs familles. 

« Je suis extrêmement déçu, mais non surpris, de la décision que je qualifie de honteuse du gouvernement Legault », affirme Ghislain Picard. 

« Défendre sa prétendue juridiction est une chose, mais le faire sur le dos de nos enfants en est une autre. C’est totalement inacceptable. Le gouvernement Legault sait très bien que le système actuel de protection de la jeunesse ne fonctionne pas pour les enfants des Premières Nations. Sa propre Commission Viens le lui a clairement rappelé récemment. Rien n’y fait, le complexe de supériorité provincial persiste et risque de compromettre sévèrement les services à nos enfants et à nos familles, ainsi que la relation entre la province et les Premières Nations. Cet orgueil, ce sentiment de supériorité de la province envers les Premières Nations porte un nom : le colonialisme. C’est vraiment une honte », conclut Ghislain Picard. 

L’APNQL rejette les arguments du Québec en lien avec la protection de la jeunesse. Il s’agit plutôt ici de la même étroitesse d’esprit manifesté dans un autre dossier, lorsque la procureure générale du Québec affirme devant les tribunaux que « le gouvernement du Québec ne reconnaît pas le droit général à l’autonomie des Premières Nations ». Cette fois, cependant, ce sont les enfants des Premières Nations qui risquent d’en payer le prix… 

« Les Premières Nations au Québec continueront d’exercer leurs droits inhérents ainsi que leur juridiction et leur autonomie dans les domaines qui les concernent, incluant la protection de la jeunesse! Le système provincial nous a échoués à plusieurs reprises et, maintenant plus que jamais, nos institutions des Premières Nations ont besoin de mettre en œuvre un système qui prendra soin de NOS enfants et de nos familles dans un environnement culturellement sécuritaire, peu importe leur lieu de résidence. Nos droits constitutionnels doivent être respectés et le rôle des deux gouvernements est de nous appuyer dans l’atteinte de notre Vision », mentionne Derek B. Montour, président de la Commission de la santé et des services sociaux des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador (CSSSPNQL). 

To the detriment of First Nations children, François Legault’s government prefers to raise a jurisdictional war rather than support First Nations governments that want to put an end to a child protection system, deficient for decades. 

In the name of its jurisdiction, which it claims to be exclusive, the Legault government is challenging in court a federal law that confirms the authority and jurisdiction of First Nations over services to their children and families. 

“I am extremely disappointed, but not surprised, by what I call the shameful decision of the Legault government,” said Ghislain Picard. 

“Defending its so-called jurisdiction is one thing but doing it on the backs of our children is another. This is totally unacceptable. The Legault government is well aware that the current child welfare system does not work for First Nations children. Its own Viens Commission clearly reminded him of this recently. The provincial superiority complex persists and threatens to severely compromise services to our children and our families, as well as the relationship between the province and First Nations. This pride, this feeling of superiority of the province towards the First Nations has a name: colonialism. It is a real shame,” concludes Ghislain Picard. 

The AFNQL rejects Quebec’s arguments related to youth protection. Rather, it is the same narrow- mindedness manifested in another file, when the Attorney General of Quebec stated before the courts that “the Government of Quebec does not recognize the general right to autonomy of First Nations”. This time, however, it is First Nations children who are likely to pay the price. 

“First Nations in Québec will continue to exercise their inherent right as well as their jurisdiction and autonomy in matters that concern them, including youth protection! The provincial system has failed us repeatedly and now, more than ever, our First Nations institutions need to implement a system that will take care of OUR children and families in a culturally-safe environment, regardless of where they live. Our constitutional rights must be respected and the role of both governments is to support us in achieving our Vision”, said Derek B. Montour, President of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services (FNQLHSSC). 

Le gouvernement Legault place ses propres intérêts au-dessus de ceux des enfants des Premières Nations : C’est une honte

Au détriment des enfants des Premières Nations, le gouvernement de François Legault préfère soulever une guerre de juridiction plutôt que d’appuyer les gouvernements des Premières Nations qui veulent mettre fin à un régime de protection de la jeunesse déficient depuis des décennies. 

Au nom de sa juridiction qu’il prétend exclusive, le gouvernement Legault conteste devant les tribunaux une loi fédérale qui confirme aux Premières Nations leur autorité et leur compétence en matière de services aux enfants et à leurs familles. 

« Je suis extrêmement déçu, mais non surpris, de la décision que je qualifie de honteuse du gouvernement Legault », affirme Ghislain Picard. 

« Défendre sa prétendue juridiction est une chose, mais le faire sur le dos de nos enfants en est une autre. C’est totalement inacceptable. Le gouvernement Legault sait très bien que le système actuel de protection de la jeunesse ne fonctionne pas pour les enfants des Premières Nations. Sa propre Commission Viens le lui a clairement rappelé récemment. Rien n’y fait, le complexe de supériorité provincial persiste et risque de compromettre sévèrement les services à nos enfants et à nos familles, ainsi que la relation entre la province et les Premières Nations. Cet orgueil, ce sentiment de supériorité de la province envers les Premières Nations porte un nom : le colonialisme. C’est vraiment une honte », conclut Ghislain Picard. 

L’APNQL rejette les arguments du Québec en lien avec la protection de la jeunesse. Il s’agit plutôt ici de la même étroitesse d’esprit manifesté dans un autre dossier, lorsque la procureure générale du Québec affirme devant les tribunaux que « le gouvernement du Québec ne reconnaît pas le droit général à l’autonomie des Premières Nations ». Cette fois, cependant, ce sont les enfants des Premières Nations qui risquent d’en payer le prix… 

« Les Premières Nations au Québec continueront d’exercer leurs droits inhérents ainsi que leur juridiction et leur autonomie dans les domaines qui les concernent, incluant la protection de la jeunesse! Le système provincial nous a échoués à plusieurs reprises et, maintenant plus que jamais, nos institutions des Premières Nations ont besoin de mettre en œuvre un système qui prendra soin de NOS enfants et de nos familles dans un environnement culturellement sécuritaire, peu importe leur lieu de résidence. Nos droits constitutionnels doivent être respectés et le rôle des deux gouvernements est de nous appuyer dans l’atteinte de notre Vision », mentionne Derek B. Montour, président de la Commission de la santé et des services sociaux des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador (CSSSPNQL). 

Independent MP Jody Wilson-Raybould says setting aside party politics is key to addressing the deep divisions within Canada that were front and centre in the recent federal election campaign.

The former justice minister called the election polarizing and divisive — specifically referencing western alienation and the Wexit movement, as well as “challenges” in Quebec.

She called for co-operation and collaboration to address those matters.

“We need to be less partisan and recognize that the only way we’re going to solve these issues and maintain the very fundamental nature of our democracy is if we take our partisan hats off,” she said.

Wilson-Raybould was speaking at an event with former MP Jane Philpottthat was hosted by Montreal’s Concordia University on Thursday.

Her comments come just over a month after the Liberal party was re-elected to a 157-seat minority government.

Wilson-Raybould also addressed two rumours about her political future.

She said she’s not running for the leadership of the Green Party, currently helmed by an interim leader after Elizabeth May stepped down earlier this month.

She’s also not looking to become speaker of the House of Commons. The speaker, who presides over proceedings in the house, is elected through a ranked secret ballot.

Wilson-Raybould clarified, however, that she hasn’t removed her name from the ballot. (All MPs except cabinet ministers and party leaders are automatically included unless they opt out)

Wilson-Raybould said that people “from right around the House of Commons” have asked her to run. But she has other goals in mind.“I have two [private members] bills that I want to advocate strongly for and I want to continue to push with other like-minded members of Parliament to have a fulsome climate caucus that’s empowered.”

She didn’t clarify the contents of those bills.

Wilson-Raybould, who represents Vancouver–Granville, is Canada’s only sitting independent MP. She previously served as attorney general and justice minister in Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.

She was kicked out of the Liberal caucus earlier this year after it came to light that she refused to intervene in a legal case involving SNC-Lavalin.

She told a House of Commons committee in February that she faced “consistent and sustained” pressure from key members of the Trudeau government to resolve corruption charges against the Quebec engineering giant through a new legal tool called a deferred prosecution agreement.

The deal would have allowed the company to avoid the possibility of a lengthy ban on competing for government contracts.

Philpott, who served as Treasury Board president as well as health and Indigenous services minister in the Liberal government, sided with Wilson-Raybould and was ousted on the same day in April.

She sought re-election as an independent in Markham–Stouffville, Ont., but lost to Liberal Helena Jaczek. Philpott, a doctor, is now a health adviser to Ontario’s Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

She told the Montreal audience she doesn’t know if she’ll run for office again, but hasn’t ruled it out.Both women said they faced questions from voters during the campaign about what an independent MP could accomplish in Ottawa versus one aligned with a major party.

“People sort of imagine that those partisan MPs are going to be able to do more for them than an independent MP,” Philpott said.

“Unfortunately, the reality is that most partisan MPs except for those who are willing to stick their necks out, as Jody has been known to say, they are mostly toeing the party line.”

A unique and innovative partnership between the Blackfoot Confederacy, the University of Lethbridge and the Mastercard Foundation will support and enable Indigenous youth to achieve their goals and become leaders in their communities.

This transformational initiative will create new opportunities for Indigenous, primarily Blackfoot, youth to access education, and the needed supports to be successful resulting in employment, economic inclusion and economic development opportunities within their communities.This initiative will also support the U of L in deepening its commitment to reconciliation, providing an inclusive campus environment, and working in partnership with the Blackfoot Confederacy.

The Mastercard Foundation is investing $15 million over the next five years to improve transitions to post-secondary and increase student success, increase work integrated learning opportunities (co-op placements for example) and entrepreneurship supports, and create partnerships and programs that lead to employment opportunities for Blackfoot youth, as well as supporting Blackfoot Nations in realizing their economic development aspirations.

“This partnership joins our EleV initiative and builds on existing strong partnerships between the University of Lethbridge and the Blackfoot Nations. Our work together will support new pathways for Indigenous youth through education and onto employment, strengthening their communities and generating lasting change. The partnership underscores our commitment to support Indigenous youth and communities leading innovation reflective of their values and aspirations,”says Jennifer Brennan, head, Canada Programs at Mastercard Foundation.

Beginning in Fall 2020, the program will launch new initiatives for children and youth to see post-secondary education as a real possibility for them by delivering programs in Blackfoot communities, as well as creating opportunities for students to participate in activities at the University. In addition, the Indigenous Student Success Program at the University will receive funding to enable an additional 30 Blackfoot and Indigenous students to attend the U of L.

“Indigenous students face significant barriers in accessing post-secondary education, including transportation, housing and childcare, among others,” says Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Distinguished Niitsitapi Scholar and advisor to President Mike Mahon. “This partnership will empower Indigenous youth by removing these kinds of barriers, creating new educational pathways and growing the supports needed by Indigenous students to be successful in their post-secondary studies. In turn, this will enhance employment and economic inclusion and drive economic development opportunities in our Blackfoot communities.”

For recent U of L graduate Sarah Russell (BFA ’19), the holistic approach of the EleV program creates a pathway for success.

“Our youth need to know from when they begin their education that there is a place for them here at the University,” she says. “The earlier they are exposed to the opportunities a post-secondary education provides, the greater the chance they will set that as an achievable goal. If this program can do that, our communities will prosper as a result.”

Blackfoot Nations and the U of L will work collaboratively to ensure the program is structured to meet the unique needs of Blackfoot youth and communities. Relationships will be at the heart of the project, and its activities will be focused on the Blackfoot values of kindness, respect, honesty and strength. The Mastercard Foundation’s values of humility, listening, co-creation and impact will further guide the design of program activities.

“We are excited about this partnership and look forward in working collectively with the MasterCard Foundation and the University of Lethbridge to build programs that benefit our youth and communities,” says Stanley Grier, Chief of the Piikani Nation. “We look to our Blackfoot youth to be our future leaders and this program will be instrumental for their journey.”

Funding from the program will also be directed toward enhancing Indigenous student services with the hiring of a program director as well as a number of support roles. These positions include both education and economic development navigators in each of the Blackfoot communities, mental health support, instructors and program development and funding to increase Elder support, among others. As the program continues through future years, funds will be allocated to support access to post-secondary education, student success and financial supports, education and training aligned with Blackfoot community needs, employment and economic development opportunities, work integrated learning and more.

“At every turn, we will focus our attention on what the needs of the individual communities are and, through a collaborative approach, create partnerships and programs that lead to employability and employment opportunities for Blackfoot youth, as well as economic development initiatives for Blackfoot communities,” says Mahon. “We will only achieve success by involving all of our partners and truly understanding the challenges they face.”