Real Change: A New Plan For a Strong Middle Class (page 46)

"Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling for a renewed relationship with First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in Canada and standing by his election promises that, if implemented, would completely overhaul it. “History has shown that that taking an adversarial approach is not only ineffective—it can be profoundly damaging. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the government's relationship with First Nations,” Trudeau told the special chiefs assembly of the Assembly of First Nations in Gatineau, Que. Tuesday morning. “It is time for a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with First Nations peoples: One that understands that the constitutionally guaranteed rights of First Nations in Canada are not an inconvenience, but rather a sacred obligation; one that is based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership; one that is guided by the spirit and intent of the original treaty relationship; one that respects inherent rights, treaties and jurisdictions; and one that respects the decisions of our courts,” Trudeau said in his speech." 

(The Star, December 8, 2015)

"Renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples will require that the Government do more to ensure that the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard. Aboriginal Representative Organizations have an important role to play in this regard and must be active partners as the Government works to make progress on the issues most important to Indigenous peoples. To support the capacity of Aboriginal Representative Organizations to engage with the Government, Budget 2016 proposes to provide $96 million over five years and $10 million ongoing. The proposed investment will help to ensure that we can move forward in the true spirit of cooperation." 

("Growing the Middle Class" Budget 2016-2017)

« The Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, visited Kitigan Zibi to meet with Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg council and youth. During the visit, the Minister announced an investment of $4.9 million that will connect 34 new housing development lots to the community’s water supply and sewer systems.

The Minister also announced the addition of a total of 2,582 hectares of land to the Kitigan Zibi reserve. This land addition provides exciting opportunities for socio-economic development in the region and in the community, which hopes to use this land for ecotourism and forestry. »

(Press Release, September 23, 2016)