ISSUE: Aboriginal youth “inclusion” into policy and programming directives
Background:
During the late 1990’s the Ministers met to discuss the potential of a National strategy for Aboriginal youth, resulting in a working group that included youth from the NAO youth councils through a special youth committee (NAOYC). During this time, the NAOYC identified the importance of a holistic approach to “leadership development” based on cultural retention, economic participation, political awareness and social inclusion, as the keystone to success. This concept was referred to as CEPS(1). During the early 2000’s, the working group and NAOYC were dismantled due to a lack of resources. CEPS was never implemented.
Currently, there are no indications or commitments directly relating to Aboriginal youth. Initiatives specific to NAO’s capacity to assist their youth councils, such as the Youth Intervenor Initiative were not renewed.
Fast Facts:
- Aboriginal youth comprise one of the largest demographic groups among the Canadian populace(2), yet are rarely called upon when issues(3) directly effecting them are addressed via new or current policy and programming directives.
- Aboriginal youth will be tasked with implementing many of the long-term recommendations coming out of NAWS, and must therefore have the ability to do so.
Recommendations:
A. In order to face the challenges of today and the future as identified during National Aboriginal Women’s Summit, Aboriginal youth require appropriate mechanisms and structures in place designed to address these root causes in a transparent, accountable and inclusive manner
B. A comprehensive strategy, that promotes the inclusion of Aboriginal youth in the design and delivery of policy, programs and services needs to be developed and implemented
C. Current Youth Councils at the National level should be provided the necessary holistically based leadership skills, capacity and funding necessary to responsibly provide input into program and policy directives
(1) CEPS acronym stands for Culture, Economic, Political and Social.
(2) Stats Can 2001 Census: Approximately 50% of the Aboriginal population in 2001 was under the age of 25. For those living off reserves, 49% were under 25 and half of non-reserve Aboriginals under 25 were living in urban CMAs
(3) Please refer to attached fact sheet on Aboriginal youth statistics and demographics
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For further information, please contact:
Al Fleming
Director
Public Affairs
613-747-6022 (office)
613-867-8696 (mobile)
al@abo-peoples.org
