In our last edition the Aboriginal Media Program participants covered Think Tank Discussions held in Ohsweken, Six Nations. The Think Tank was a result of a partnership between the Six Nations International Development Agency, the Primates World Relief and Development Fund and the Aboriginal Media Program. The Think Tank was made up of First Nations professionals from all across Canada whose purpose was to discuss relevant issues affecting Aboriginal people and write a policy paper surrounding the issues and possible solutions. In this edition Laura Enriquez reports on the preliminary policy paper from the Think Tank.

What are the key issues facing Aboriginal people in Canada as we move into the new millenium?

Economic development was one of the main issues identified. Think Tank participants stated they see economic development as a “tool” to strengthen First Nation cultures. Many First Nations are located in regions where poor socio-economic conditions are shared with neighbouring communities.

It became quite apparent from the participants of the Six Nations Think Tank that the real issues which Aboriginal people and Aboriginal communities face are inherent across the country.

The participants were Tim Johnson, Six Nations, Brantford, Ontario; Lewis Staats, Six Natons; Louie Seymour, Bimose Tribal Council, Kenora, Ontario; Darrell Beaulieu, Dene, Yellowknife, NWT.; Vickie Antone, Onieda of the Thames, London, Ontario; Bernard Christmas, Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia; and Primates Fund representative Theresa Zip. The Think Tank discussion took place at the Bears Inn in Oshweken which is located on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Southern Ontario.

Thought led to a discussion about the need for partnership with the private sector. The draft policy paper states, “There has been too much reliance on the federal government in the past. One of the issues identified was that dollars can lead to wellness which can lead to success. Success can be one person having a vision for a better life. There is a need to acknowledge the “real” situation and stop blaming everyone else for our problems.”

The Think Tank turned its’ attention to the question of “What is a fiduciary responsibility?”. The Gage Canadian dictionary defines fiduciary as “held in trust; holding in trust.” A fiduciary possessor is legally responsible for what belongs to another. The discussion group identified it as a moral obligation; a result of the Indian Act; and a legal obligation from the Crown to the Aboriginal people of Canada: it is an ethical responsibility; it represents a monetary obligation from Canada to Aboriginal people; it perpetuates the “ward of the crown syndrome” which is prevalent across the country.

Education, social reform and housing are also key issues facing First Nations today. There is a need for structural changes in order for First Nation communities to become more self-governing and self-sufficient.

Aboriginal demographics show that a vast majority of the population are under 25 years old representing 50-70 percent of the total population. This signals an impending crisis on all existing systems in First Nation communities. The younger generation represent an opportunity for change, but change has to exhibit an opportunity to them. The draft policy paper states “We need to mould them into leadership roles.”

Environmental concerns and outstanding claims for resources and land are also at the forefront for First Nations communities. Resources is number one in which to deal with the coming crisis. The draft policy paper also states, “We need to control our own resources such as lands, water, minerals and all natural resources”.

The Think Tank also stated that Aboriginal people need to develop a united front to put forward to the Canadian general public. Communication is needed as an educational tool. It was also suggested that a foreign relations policy should be developed. There is a need for media campaigns on several issues including taxation and the role of Chiefs. Well researched information must be brought forward to the general public. Press secretaries should be employed to ensure that information is put forth in a professional manner. Most importantly, First Nations need to partner effectively and share information between communities.

What will the future look like for Aboriginal people? It was agreed upon by the group that from an economic basis there is a definite swing towards the new information age economy. There is a definite need to create hundreds, if not thousands of jobs in the private sector. We need to have the community onside having a vested interest in what the future holds. Employment must be re-thought because today it is mainly government sponsored and actually perpetuates the circle of dependence.

The Think Tank expressed a need to change the focus of the federal government as they are not set up to deal with the large Aboriginal businesses of tomorrow. There is a need for more flexibility. First Nations must get out of a program delivery mode and into a strategic thinking mode. First Nations must take ownership of the future and the responsibility for what communities will look like.