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Patrick Brazeau is National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP). The Congress is the national political Aboriginal organization that advocates for the needs and aspirations of the off-reserve Aboriginal community.Patrick is the youngest leader of Canada’s national Aboriginal organization. He was acclaimed National Leader of the Congress by delegate vote in November 2006 at CAP’s Annual General Assembly. He joined the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples in 2001 and was elected Vice-Chief in April 2005. He served as Acting National Chief from February 2006 until his election later that year.Chief Brazeau is an Algonquin Indian from the Kitigan Zibi reserve community near Maniwaki, Quebec. He is also a member in good standing of the Native Alliance of Quebec.National Chief Brazeau is a strong advocate of accountability, responsibility and transparency. He is vocal proponent for the replacement of the Indian Act with more progressive, and historically-based legislation that aims to reconstitute true Indian Nations – such as the Mohawk, Cree, Algonquin and Ojibwa nations.A strong commitment to improved and progressive Aboriginal governance has been a cornerstone of Mr. Brazeau’s career in Aboriginal politics. Patrick spearheaded CAP’s participation in the First Nations Governance initiative launched in 2001. Though the proposed reforms were not ultimately implemented, he continues to be a vocal proponent of open, transparent and responsible governance, both for Indian Reserves and for all five of the national Aboriginal organizations.Patrick believes fervently that Canada’s Aboriginal affairs must be reformed to end the status quo which overwhelming supports a broken system of Indian Reserves. Chief Brazeau believes that investments in Aboriginal programs and services should reflect the reality that the majority of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples live off-reserve. Key to this is the inclusion by government of residency as a component of Aboriginal program and service development.In his role as National Chief, Mr.Brazeau also believes in the concept of a Métis Nation – one that includes all Métis peoples, on the basis of provision of genealogical proof of aboriginal ancestry and community acceptance.Perhaps most importantly, National Chief Brazeau believes in a strong sense of personal responsibility for one’s own future. He feels strongly about self-sufficiency for Aboriginal peoples at both the individual and community levels, and is a fierce defender and protector of Aboriginal and human rights, through which true self-sufficiency can be achieved.Patrick served in the Canadian Armed Forces (Naval Reserve/HMCS Carleton) and has a 2nd degree black belt in Karate. He holds a degree in Social Sciences and has also studied Civil Law at the University of Ottawa. |
National
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Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
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