Assembly of First Nations National Chief Welcomes New Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Liberal Cabinet

OTTAWA, Nov. 4, 2015 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today congratulated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the newly appointed Liberal cabinet sworn in today at a public ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, ON that included Indigenous peoples and cultures throughout and saw two Indigenous people appointed to cabinet, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould and the Honourable Hunter Tootoo.

"Today marks an important opportunity to embark on a new era of reconciliation and partnership to close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians," said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. "I look forward to working with the new federal government in the spirit of trust, respect and a renewed nation to nation relationship. There were many important commitments made to First Nations during this election. Now is the time for action. First Nations are ready to work with the government to create a better future for our children, safer communities for our people and a stronger country for all of us."

National Chief Bellegarde welcomed the Honourable Carolyn Bennett as the new Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs: "Minister Bennett has deep experience in First Nations issues and served as an effective and informed critic in the previous parliament. I look forward to working with the Minister to move on our immediate priorities and a comprehensive, strategic plan for transformative change. Our Closing the Gap agenda is a solid start to the important work ahead of us. We will be guided by respect for all fundamental rights of First Nations under Treaty, the Constitution and international human rights law.  First Nations are ready and eager to move."

The National Chief welcomed the use of the word "Indigenous" in the portfolio, noting that this is the preferred and accepted term in Canada and the international sphere.

National Chief Bellegarde congratulated Vancouver Granville MP, former AFN BC Regional Chief and member of the We Wai Kai Nation the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould on her appointment as the Minister of Justice: "Minister Wilson-Raybould's appointment is a powerful acknowledgement of First Nations peoples and the skills and abilities of the Minister herself. Her role will be key as we act to give life to First Nations rights and Treaties and ensure Canadian law and policies are consistent with those rights. I enjoyed working with Minister Wilson-Raybould when she was part of the AFN Executive and look forward to continuing a positive, cooperative working relationship."

National Chief Bellegarde looks to build on the important commitments made by the Liberal Party, including work on a new approach to First Nations education, revitalizing Indigenous languages, a new fiscal relationship, a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, healthier communities and a renewed nation to nation relationship based on partnership and respect.

National Chief Bellegarde acknowledged the two Indigenous MPs named to cabinet and all new Ministers sworn in today: "First Nation priorities require a government-wide commitment to change and success. All Ministers and parliamentarians have a role to play. First Nations have a plan for action and we look forward to making progress together."

The AFN's Closing the Gap agenda, released during the election campaign, sets priorities for action that will help guide the relationship, including a joint AFN-Cabinet Committee to set direction and monitor implementation of First Nations-Crown priorities.  For more information on First Nation priorities and Closing the Gap in quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians please visit: http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/closing-the-gap.pdf

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext. 382; 613-292-0857 or [email protected]; Jenna Young Castro, AFN Communications Officer [phone] ext 401 or [phone] or [email protected]