INAN Report 22: Summary of Evidence of Capacity Building on Reserves
Press Release
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, Canada committed to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Among other things, UNDRIP recognizes that “Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination” and that, “[b]y virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development” (article 3).1 UNDRIP further recognizes that, through their right to self-determination, “Indigenous peoples… have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as ways and means for financing their autonomous functions” (article 4).2
For decades, First Nations have been working towards achieving their visions of self-determination, notably by empowering their communities and institutions, and by rebuilding the governance structures that colonial policies attempted to break down and erase. On the path to restoring their autonomy, First Nations are faced with barriers to building capacity and retaining talents in their communities. Overcoming these barriers is key to moving toward self-determination.
In order to advise the federal government on how it can better support First Nations communities and find ways to address the barriers they face with respect to capacity building and talent retention, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (the Committee) agreed in February 2018 to “undertake a comprehensive study of community capacity building and retention of talent in the delivery of essential services on reserve” and to report its findings to the House.3 From February to April 2019, the Committee held a total of nine public hearings and heard from 50 witnesses, including First Nations communities, organizations and tribal councils. The Committee sincerely thanks all the individuals and groups who took part in this study.
Read More: https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/421/INAN/Reports/RP10574541/inanrp22/inanrp22-e.pdf
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