National Inuit Leader Calls for First Ministers’ Meeting in 2010

August 6 – REGINA – National Inuit Leader Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, met today with Provincial, Territorial and Aboriginal leaders during the annual meeting of the Council of the Federation in Regina. The leaders agreed to an Inuit proposal to create a working group aimed at leading a discussion on Aboriginal issues in anticipation of a First Ministers’ Meeting in 2010.

“A formal dialogue between Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments and National Aboriginal leaders to address the socio-economic issues plaguing our communities is imperative,” said Mary Simon. “This dialogue should lead to a First Ministers/National Aboriginal Leaders meeting in the coming year to design a plan for the full inclusion of Aboriginal peoples in the development of this country over the next 25 years.”

The agenda for the meeting included Aboriginal engagement with the federal government, the impact of the H1N1 flu virus on Aboriginal communities, education and skills training and Aboriginal economic development.

“I also highlighted the explosive potential of H1N1 outbreaks in Inuit communities in the Arctic to wreak havoc with our people and our health system. Inuit are asking for a National Inuit-specific plan to manage this pandemic given the overcrowding and poor health condition of some Inuit in our communities.”

Simon asked for Provincial and Territorial Premiers’ support for the development of an Inuit-specific Education Strategy, based on an Accord already negotiated and agreed to by governments and Inuit leaders. “It is desperately needed if we are to improve education rates for Inuit; preserve and enhance the Inuit language; and ensure the cultural relevance of our education system.”

Finally, Simon called on the federal government to ensure that it rolls out its recently announced Northern Strategy in a way that ensures the meaningful inclusion of Inuit in all four Inuit regions in the Arctic.

Patricia D’Souza, communications officer
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Cell: 613-292-4482