Aboriginal issues merit discussion, Notley says

Violence against women and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report are on the agenda as Canada’s premiers meet with aboriginal leaders on Wednesday.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley echoed other leaders, who say the provinces can make some progress on their own, but the long- standing absence of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and federal officials from first ministers’ meetings isn’t helpful.

Ottawa has jurisdiction over many of the education, justice and other areas touched on by the commission’s 94 recommendations for change released last month.

“They’re not here, so what we’re going to do is focus on what we can do,” Notley said on her way into the meeting in Happy Valley- Goose Bay, N. L.

“I suspect each province will be taking a look at the way in which they can move forward, share best practices and make sure that we make real progress on those recommendations.

“I think as national leaders we have an obligation to move forward.”

B. C. Premier Christy Clark said Ottawa funds vital programs on reserves such as education and early childhood education.

“Federal government plays a really important role in all of this,” she said.

“It’s easier to do it with them, it’s a lot better to do it with them. But we’ve been doing it alone, making those plans alone and making progress on our own for a long time.”

The sit- down is part of the annual Council of the Federation meeting.

Perry Bellegarde, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, is calling for action plans on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, and the number of missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls.

The RCMP has reported that almost 1,200 aboriginal women have been murdered or have vanished since 1980, and that victims often know their attackers.

The 2011 National Household Survey suggests indigenous women make up 4.3 per cent of Canada’s female population. But police say they’re victims in 16 per cent of female homicides and account for 11 per cent of missing women.

Bellegarde said Harper’s refusal to attend Wednesday’s meeting sends a message about what the Conservative government thinks is important. “It’s a missed opportunity.” The premiers last summer made a united push for a public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls but Ottawa has refused. Federal officials who

They’re not here, so what we’re going to do is focus on what we can do. I think as national leaders we have an obligation to move forward.

attended a national roundtable last winter said justice investments and a five- year, $ 25- million plan to reduce related violence are a better approach.

Outside the meeting, a small group of protesters said Labrador has too often been used for its resources while the environment and social issues are neglected.

“Labrador lives count, too,” said Denise Cole, a Goose Bay resident with Inuit ancestry.

“Just because we’re a small population, doesn’t mean our lives count any less. It doesn’t mean that we deserve any less.

“And it certainly doesn’t mean that we get to be forgotten except when it comes time for an election or ... to show off for closed- door meetings.”

The premiers will continue to meet on Thursday and Friday in St. John’s.