New plan by AFN seeks reforms to create a better relationship with federal governement

In a document obtained by the Globe and Mail, the Assembly of First Nations is asking for reforms that include inclusion during equalization talks, as well as the right to review legislation that harmfully impacts their communities.

According to the Globe and Mail, the reforms make up a draft action plan and come from the responses Prime Minister Stephen Harper gave to a commission of native leaders including National Chief Shawn Atleo last week. 

The issues raised in the action plan give a first look at what native leaders asked of Mr. Harper during  the five-hour long discussion held on January 11th, and the AFN's analysis of the prime minister's answers. 

Other topics raised included education, with the delegation telling Mr. Harper that schools based in native culture are needed in every First Nation. 

While some progress has been made between the federal government and the AFN, Ottawa still refuses to allow Governor-General David Johnston to attend any meetings, which is one of the demands of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence. Chief Spence is in the fifth week of her hunger strike. 

Photo: Carleton Newsroom