The document provides information about the Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians (OFI) and urban Aboriginal issues in Canada. It discusses that OFI works with Métis, Non-Status Indians and urban organizations to improve life choices. Over half of Canada's Aboriginal population lives in cities and face challenges like low education rates and high unemployment. The government has invested in programs to support urban Aboriginal people. The Urban Aboriginal Strategy works in partnership with communities and focuses on areas like jobs, training, and families. It provides an example of their work in Prince George, BC where they engage elders, youth, build relationships, and hold community celebrations.

1. Government of Canada:Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians (OFI) Community Development Society Conference July, 2009

2. 2 What is OFI? The role of the Federal Interlocutor was created in 1985 to provide a point of first contact and advocate between the Government of Canada and National Aboriginal Organizations who represent Métis and Non-Status Indians to discuss their priority issues. OFI works with Métis, Non-Status Indians and urban Aboriginal organizations, private sector, philanthropic groups, as well as provincial and municipal governments to find practical ways to improve life choices for Métis, Non-Status Indians and urban Aboriginal people.

4. A total of 291,035 Aboriginal people, or 25% of the total Aboriginal population lived in 9 census metropolitan areas in 2006. British Columbia is home to 17% of Canada’s Aboriginal population.

6. 50% of Aboriginal children living in Prairie cities are living in poverty;

7. Prairie-based gangs have reached crisis proportions in major urban centres.Aboriginal people in Toronto comprise less than 1% of the population but represent 25% of the homeless population. 40% of Aboriginal children in cities are being raised in lone-parent families – 1 out of 4 Aboriginal women in Winnipeg aged 15-29 is a single parent. Yet, urbanization is an irresistible phenomenon that offers tremendous opportunities unavailable/unmatched elsewhere.

8. Federal Government Investments The Government of Canada has invested in a variety of Urban Aboriginal programs and services including: Aboriginal Friendship Centres Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres Aboriginal Headstart Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy Aboriginal Justice Strategy Urban Aboriginal Homelessness Initiative Urban Aboriginal Strategy 5

9. 6 Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) In 1997, the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) was developed to address the influx of Aboriginal people living in Canada’s urban centers. Implementation of UAS focuses on a small number of designated communities, this allows departments, provincial ministries, other stakeholders and the urban Aboriginal community to work closely on community identified issues. Flexible funding made available to a community helps respond to community identified needs and facilitates partnerships Due to the unique approach of the UAS, Government/Community partnership, UAS was renewed for another 5 years (2007 -2012) with specific focus on three priority areas to improve economic participation of urban Aboriginal people: Supporting Aboriginal Women, Children and Families; Promoting Job Skills Training and Entrepreneurship and Improving Life skills.

11. Mining exploration and development are emerging as the future employment trend

12. Local residents require skill development and job training to take advantage of these new opportunitiesThere are 8,085 people who identify as Aboriginal or 11% of the population; 68.8% are 15 years or older.

13. Key Components for Community Planning 8

14. Elder Involvement “It was good seeing everybody work together and communicate together.“ “As a young Elder I learned from listening to People…” “I came back a happier person.” Participant Quotes, Elders Camp August 2008 9

15. Encouraging Youth “I enjoyed the weekend. I met new people and learned the names of people that I’ve always seen and never spoken to.” “Laughter really helped.” “We were so uplifted.” Participant Quotes, Elders Camp August 2008 10

16. BuildingRelationships "First off, you have to remember not to ever take anything personal at the table. Second thing, remember that we really love to fight." Committee Member, September 2008 --- "Facilitated to the level where we felt hopeful as we were moved to identify “do able” and immediate goals on our way to really working together!" "Friendly and good feeling of cooperation." Participant Quotes, Partners Forum Jan 21-22, 2009 11

17. Celebration & Feasting “FOOD! Nobody went hungry, the food was delicious.” “I haven’t seen a smokehouse in 20+ years.” Participant Quotes, Elders Camp August 2008 --- “I enjoyed the music and dancing.” Participant Quotes, March 2008 12

18. THANK YOU!