Seven Years Later:An Inventory of Population Health Policy Since the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples 1996�2003
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government
December 2003
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© 2004 Canadian Institute for Health Information
Cette publication est disponible en français sous le titre : « Sept années plus tard : Un inventaire de la politique sur la santé publique depuis la Commission royale sur les peuples autochtones, de 1996 à 2003 — Politiques et programmes pour le gouvernement fédéral » ISBN 1-55392-551-3 (PDF)
Contents
Policies and Programs on Health and Healing .................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Table 3. Administration of Aboriginal Health Services and Programs—RCAP Recommendation 3.3.2 c ............................................................. 1
Table 4. Government Aboriginal Healing Initiatives—RCAP Recommendation 3.3.5 a......................................................................................... 16
Policies and Programs on Housing ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Table 5. Programs that Promote Aboriginal Authority over Housing—RCAP Recommendation 3.4.1 e ............................................................ 17
Table 6. Programs to Improve the Quality and Quantity of Housing for Aboriginal People—RCAP Recommendation 3.4.3 ......................... 18
Policies and Programs on Education.................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Table 7. Programs Related to the Development of Aboriginal-controlled Education Systems and Schools— RCAP Recommendation 3.5.2 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Table 8. Early Childhood Education and Care—RCAP Recommendation 3.5.3 a–e................................................................................................ 25
Table 9. Aboriginal Language Preservation in the School System—RCAP Recommendation 3.5.6...................................................................... 33
Table 10. Youth Empowerment: Initiatives to Improve Aboriginal Student Retention—RCAP Recommendation 3.5.10................................... 34
Abbreviations........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Note: Table 1 (Population Reporting Identity) and Table 2 (Policy Frameworks) are included in the separate Introduction section only.
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
1
Policies and Programs on Health and Healing Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, 1996 Volume 3, Chapter 3: Health and Healing
The Commission recommends that:
3.3.2 Governments act promptly to:
(c) establish a framework, until institutions of Aboriginal self-government exist, whereby agencies mandated by Aboriginal governments or identified by Aboriginal organizations or communities can deliver health and social services operating under provincial or territorial jurisdiction.
3.3.5 Governments and organizations collaborate in carrying out a comprehensive action plan on Aboriginal health and social conditions, consisting of the following components:
(a) development of a system of Aboriginal healing centres and healing lodges under Aboriginal control as the prime units of holistic and culture-based health and wellness services.
Table 3. Administration of Aboriginal Health Services and Programs—RCAP Recommendation 3.3.2c
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Health Canada (HC)
Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve
Prepares children for school readiness by addressing the child’s needs for emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual and physical growth
1997 On-reserve FN children 0 to 6
FN communities and providers
FN agencies Process, impact and administrative, annually
Seven Years Later: An Inventory of Population Health Policy Since the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples 1996–2003
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Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative
Intended to provide a more comprehensive, collaborative and integrated approach to reducing diabetes and its complications among Aboriginal peoples. Overseen by a national steering committee with representation from the national Aboriginal representative organizations (Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, Native Women's Association of Canada) as well as the National Aboriginal Diabetes Association.
1999 All Aboriginal peoples
1 program on reserve; 1 program for off-reserve Aboriginal, Métis and urban Inuit
Overseen by National Steering Committee, representing Aboriginal organizations, established in 1999
Communities and providers
FNIHB regions deliver to on-reserve and Inuit communities in partnership with First Nations and Inuit
FNIHB headquarters delivers off-reserve programming
Program evaluation underway
FNIHB, HC First Nations and Inuit Youth Suicide Prevention
Health Canada is working in partnership with the AFN and ITK, to respond to recommendations made by Suicide Prevention Advisory Group in their report, Acting on What we Know: Preventing Youth Suicide In First Nations, and to address the high rates of suicide in Inuit communities.
2001 N/A AFN, ITK, and Health Canada
FNIHB in partnership with AFN and ITK are leading national program and policy development in response to recommendations in the Advisory Group report.
N/A
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
3
Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Labrador Innu Comprehensive Healing Strategy (LICHS)
Led by INAC, LICHS is a strategy to address the critical health and social issues facing the Labrador Innu. The Health Canada component supports community health planning and enhanced mental health, addictions, and maternal/child health services.
2001 Mushuau Innu and Labrador Innu
INAC, PSEPC, Labrador Innu, Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
Community-run programs. Labrador Health Secretariat (HC).
Yes
FNIHB, HC National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP), including National Youth Solvent Abuse Program
56 Treatment centres; 48 NNADAP, 8 SAP centres >500 community-based prevention programs
Mid 1980s Eligibility is determined locally
Treatment centres and community groups providing prevention programs Also includes National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation
96% of resources managed by FN via transfer or contribution agreements
Yes
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Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Indian Residential Schools (IRS) Mental Health Support Program
The IRS Mental Health Support Program provides counseling, transportation and emotional support services for eligible IRS claimants through HC FNIHB Regional offices.
Late 2003 All former students of Indian Residential Schools who are actively resolving their claims against the Government of Canada either through Alternative Dispute Resolution or through litigation.
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada
HC FNIHB IRS Mental Health Support Program Regional Coordinators coordinate these services through Aboriginal non-government organizations and HC recognized providers (psychologists, social workers and transportation providers)
2006–2007
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
5
Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Tobacco Initiative
First Nations and Inuit Tobacco Control Strategy
Oct. 2001 FN on-reserve FN north of 60 Inuit in Inuit communities
National Advisory Circle Regional Advisory Circles
Assembly of First Nations Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami National Aboriginal Health Orgs
FNIHB delivers on-reserve in partnership with First Nations and Inuit in the region
Beginning 2004–2005
Completing in 2005–2006
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Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC West Nile Virus
Health Canada’s plan for 2004 includes monitoring WN virus activity through the surveillance and testing of dead birds and mosquito pools, developing culturally appropriate educational and awareness materials, and recommending to Chiefs, Councils or designates the appropriate public health interventions to control WN virus based on the outbreak status in the regions.
FNIHB is revising its guidelines for response to West Nile virus in First Nations communities. The revised guidelines state that FNIHB Regions will adhere to their respective provincial WNV guidelines. All of the provincial guidelines are based on the national guidelines developed by Health Canada.
FNIHB also works in cooperation with its provincial/territorial counterparts to ensure that its regional activities around West Nile virus are consistent and integrated with those of the host province or territory, wherever possible.
2003 FN on Reserve
Bands, chiefs, council
FNIHB N/A
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
7
Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Targeted Immunization Strategy
The high rates of vaccine preventable diseases among First Nations children on-reserve and the greater incidence of serious complications resulting from these diseases necessitated the development of a targeted immunization strategy.
2003 All children under the age of 6 living on reserve
Federal and Provincial governments, National and regional Aboriginal organization
Provinces, Regions and local communities
Benchmarking year 2 and final evaluation year 5
FNIHB, HC ECD Strategy for Aboriginal Children: First Nations and Inuit Health Branch’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Program
An expanded FASD Program, developed in consultation with First Nations and Inuit stakeholders, FASD experts and Regions; the FASD Program will continue to see that the work started under the FAS/E Initiative (prevention) continue and will add new and improved programming areas (intervention).
The goals of the FASD Program remain to: reduce the number of children born with FASD and to increase the quality of life for those affected. Four key areas for action are: targeted programming for populations at risk; early identification, assessment and diagnosis; FASD-related education and training; and, supports for parents and families of children affected by FASD.
2002 First Nation on-reserve and Inuit
First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations, non-government organizations, and provincial and territorial programs
Using a regional proposal driven approach and contribution agreements with community-based organizations
Developing
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Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC ECD Strategy for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children—Led by HC, the strategy provides $320 million over the next five years to improve and expand existing ECD programs and services for Aboriginal children (AHSOR, AHSUN, FASD on reserve, and FNICCI), with a particular focus on programming for First Nations children on reserve; work towards the development of a “single window” approach to ensure better integration and coordination of ECD programs and services; build capacity through various means including the development of an Aboriginal Service Providers Network; and, introduce new research initiatives to improve understanding of how Aboriginal children are doing and what can be done to ensure their healthy development.
Oct. 2002 Aboriginal children and families
National Aboriginal organizations, other Aboriginal organizations, Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal service providers, provinces and territories
HC, HRSDC, SDC, INAC
Yes
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
9
Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program
Through a community development approach, the CPNP aims to reduce the incidence of unhealthy birth weights, improve the health of both infants and mothers, and encourage breastfeeding.
1994 350 programs in 2,000 communities; 550 projects in FN on-reserve and Inuit 400 projects serving 600 FN, Inuit communities
F/P/T and Aboriginal stakeholders
CPNP funds community groups to develop or enhance programs for vulnerable pregnant women
Yes
FNIHB, HC Brighter Futures—First Nations and Inuit Component
Provides funds for community-based and managed mental health and child development initiatives including mental wellness activities, parenting skills, healthy babies, and childhood injury prevention.
1993 FN and Inuit N/A Community-based and managed health and mental wellness initiatives
N/A
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Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Building Healthy Communities
Launched to implement a Mental Health Crisis Management Program in First Nations and Inuit communities including aftercare and training. Also includes a home care nursing component and a solvent abuse component.
1994 FN and Inuit FN and Inuit communities
FN and Inuit communities
N/A
FNIHB, HC Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program
Provides, to registered Indians and recognized Inuit, a range of medically necessary goods and services which supplement benefits provided through other private or provincial/territorial programs. Non-Insured Health Benefits include drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and medical equipment, short term crisis intervention mental health counseling and transportation to access medically necessary services not available on reserve or in the community of residence.
The Program draws its authority from the NIHB mandate and the 1979 Indian Health Policy.
1987 Registered Indians and recognized Inuit
First Nations and Inuit
Third party service providers (i.e. private dentists, pharmacists etc.)
Yes—HC
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
11
Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Tuberculosis Elimination Strategy
The emergence of drug resistance and HIV/AIDS, combined with consistently high TB rates in the First Nations population, necessitated the creation of this program.
1992 FN Strategy undertaken in partnership with Aboriginal leadership
Local communities Yes, contract with academic specialists
FNIHB, HC The First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care Program
Seeks to provide basic home/community care services that are comprehensive, culturally sensitive, accessible, effective, equitable to that of other Canadians, and responsive to the unique health and social needs of First Nations and Inuit.
2000 FN and Inuit N/A Delivered by registered and trained personnel, supervised by public health nurses
N/A
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Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC HIV/AIDS National Program
The mandate of the program is to provide community-based HIV prevention initiatives to First Nations on-reserve and Inuit communities. Program elements include prevention; community development; care, treatment and support (under review); and program coordination.
1997 FN communities on-reserve; Inuit communities south of 60°; Aboriginal and AIDS Service Organizations
Includes • Canadian
Strategy on HIV/AIDS
• National Aboriginal Council on HIV/AIDS
• Aboriginal AIDS Service Organization
• Non-governmental Organization
HC provides national and regional funding to Aboriginal and Inuit organizations as well as to communities who engage in community focussed HIV/AIDS activities.
Yes
FNIHB, HC First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS)
1999–2000 FN Partnership with Assembly of FN and NAHO
NAHO N/A
FNIHB, HC First Nations and Inuit Health System Sustainability 2000 FN and Inuit AFN, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
N/A N/A
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
13
Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Health Integration Initiative (HII)
Intended to identify mechanisms for collaboration and harmonization between federal community-based programs and provincial/territorial health systems that will improve access to, and quality of, services, and respond to the needs of specific communities and populations. To this end, FNIHB will work in collaboration with FN/Inuit organizations and Provincial/Territorial governments throughout the implementation of the HII.
HII involves three main areas of activity: HII projects; research and analysis; and development of a policy framework. HII projects will test, analyze, and evaluate different models of integration. Co-ordinated research and analysis will improve understanding and inform our thinking with respect to health service integration, and a policy framework will elaborate an approach and next steps for integration.
2003 For HII projects: FN/Inuit communities and/or organizations in partnership with Provincial/ Territorial governments and FNIHB regional offices.
For other areas of activity: N/A
At a macro level, the HII involves provincial and territorial governments, FNIHB regions, and First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations. These relationships are more finely detailed in the specific regional projects funded through HII.
For HII projects: FN/Inuit communities and/or organizations in partnership with P/T governments and FNIHB regional offices.
For other areas of activity: FNIHB
All projects will conduct their own evaluation. The HII program as a whole will also be evaluated.
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Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Transfer of community-based programs 1989 FN/Inuit communities/ organizations south of 60th parallel
FN/Inuit communities/ organizations
FNIHB regions in partnership with FN/Inuit communities/ organizations
Transfer Policy evaluation currently underway. Final report expected by December 2004.
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
15
Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
FNIHB, HC Health Human Resources (HHR)
The purpose of HHR is to develop and implement a national First Nations and Inuit health human resources strategy that will meet the unique health service needs of First Nations and Inuit. The program will respond to current, new and emerging First Nations and Inuit health services issues and priorities (planning, recruitment and retention, interdisciplinary education). It will be integrated with the pan-Canadian Health Human Resources Initiative.
Announce-ment of first phase 2003–2004, work began 2003–2004.
First Nations and Inuit
F/P/T/A Aboriginal Perspective Reference group; Stakeholder working group; NAOs and NGOs: National Aboriginal Health Organization, CIHI, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation; other HC branches and regions; Inter-Professional Education for Collaborative Patient-centred Practice; Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
FNIHB HQ- Secretariat through MOU with Health Policy and Communications Branch
Annual reports, evaluation of strategy within pan-Canadian Initiative 2007–2008
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Table 3. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Dept Program Start Date Eligibility Partners Delivery Agent Evaluation
Population and Public Health Branch (PPHB), Health Canada
Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHS)
Prepares children for schooling by meeting the child’s needs for intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical growth
1995 Aboriginal children 2 to 6, with emphasis on 3 to 6
Community providers
Local providers Process, impact and administrative, annually
Indian and Northern Affairs
First Nations Continuing Care Strategy 1996–1998 FN (and Inuit since 1998)
HC N/A N/A
Indian and Northern Affairs
Adult Care Program
Assists FN people with functional limitations (because of age, health problems or disability), to maintain their independence and to live in conditions of health and safety.
1984 FN HC INAC N/A
Table 4. Government Aboriginal Healing Initiatives—RCAP Recommendation 3.3.5 a
Jurisdiction Healing Strategy/Policy Start Date Aims Eligibility
Federal Aboriginal Healing Foundation 1998 Committed $350 million to develop a Healing Strategy to address the legacy of physical and sexual abuse in the residential School System
Aboriginal people
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
17
Policies and Programs on Housing Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, 1996 Volume 3, Chapter 4: Housing
The Commission recommends that:
3.4.1 Federal and provincial governments address Aboriginal housing and community services on the basis of the following policy principles:
(e) Aboriginal nations should assume authority over all housing matters as a core area of self-government jurisdiction.
3.4.3 The government of Canada make resources available over the next 10 years to ensure that housing for Aboriginal people on-reserve is fully adequate in quantity and quality and engage the governments of the provinces and territories to reach the same goal in rural and northern communities and in urban areas.
Table 5. Programs that Promote Aboriginal Authority over Housing—RCAP Recommendation 3.4.1e
Jurisdiction Lead Department Aboriginal Housing Policy/Program Date Description Partners Eligibility
Community Infrastructure and Housing Directorate, Indian and Northern Affairs
Federal On-Reserve Housing Policy
1996 Emphasizes community control, local resources and flexibility in design and labour requirements
FN FN on-reserve Federal
Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation
Aboriginal Capacity Development
Program begun in 1970s; has evolved over time but with same core purpose
1970s Facilitates the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and resources that will allow FN to work towards self-sufficiency in housing and take on more responsibility for the functioning of their community
INAC, FN FN housing providers, housing committees, authorities, groups
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Table 6. Programs to Improve the Quality and Quantity of Housing for Aboriginal People—RCAP Recommendation 3.4.3
Jurisdiction: Federal
Eligibility
Lead Department Program Name Start Date On
Reserve Off
Reserve
Partners Delivery Agent
Federal On-Reserve Housing Policy 1996 ! FN FN Indian and Northern Affairs—Community Infrastructure and Housing Directorate
Innovative Housing Fund 1998 ! FN, private businesses
Initiatives are cost-shared with private sector and/or FN organizations
On-Reserve Loan Insurance NI ! Band Councils Band Councils or Band members
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program On-Reserve
NI ! Band Councils Band Councils and Band members
Additional Financial Contribution NI ! Band Councils Band Councils and Band members
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Aboriginal Capacity Development NI ! INAC, FN FN housing providers, housing committees, authorities, groups
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
19
Table 6. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Eligibility
Lead Department Program Name Start Date On
Reserve Off
Reserve
Partners Delivery Agent
Proposal Development Fund Loans NI ! ! NI Developers of housing for seniors, the disabled and low-income households, including FN
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (cont’d)
Direct Lending NI ! Includes Band Councils
Band Councils
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
21
Policies and Programs for Education Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, 1996 Volume 3, Chapter 5: Education
The Commission recommends that:
3.5.2 Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate with Aboriginal governments, organizations or education authorities, as appropriate, to support the development of Aboriginally controlled education systems.
3.5.3 Federal, provincial and territorial governments co-operate to support an integrated early childhood education funding strategy that:
(a) extends early childhood education services to all Aboriginal children regardless of residence;
(b) encourages programs that foster the physical, social, intellectual and spiritual development of children, reducing distinctions between child care, prevention and education;
(c) maximizes Aboriginal control over service design and administration;
(d) offers one-stop accessible funding; and
(e) promotes parental involvement and choice in early childhood education options.
3.5.6 Aboriginal language education be assigned priority in Aboriginal, provincial and territorial education systems to complement and support language preservation efforts in local communities.
3.5.10 Aboriginally controlled, provincial and territorial schools serving Aboriginal youth develop and implement comprehensive Aboriginal youth empowerment strategies with elements elaborated in collaboration with youth, including:
(a) cultural education in classroom and informal settings;
(b) academic skills development and support.
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Table 7. Programs Related to the Development of Aboriginal-controlled Education Systems and Schools—RCAP Recommendation 3.5.2
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Eligibility Partners Evaluation
Cultural/Educational Centres Program
Program established under Cabinet authority. Provides assistance to FN, tribal/district councils, Inuit communities and FN/Inuit non-profit corporations to preserve, develop and promote FN and Inuit culture and heritage through the delivery of programs and service delivered at the community level. Now over 100 centres across Canada.
1971 FN, Inuit
Funds established centres, which develop and operate cultural/educational programs for FN/Inuit people to participate in and for the general public to experience.
Over half the centres receiving CECP funding are supported through an administrative arrangement with the National Association of Cultural Education Centres. The remaining FN centres are managed through INAC regional offices in partnership with NACEC. Inuit centres are managed from INAC headquarters in partnership with Inuit Tapirisat of Canada.
NI Indian and Northern Affairs Canada—INAC
Elementary/Secondary Education Program
Provides funding to band councils or other FN education authorities to support instructional services for status Indians in on-reserve schools (FN-operated and federal). Aim is to ensure that eligible Indians have access to the education programs and services available in public schools in the province in which the reserve is located.
NI FN or Inuit normally resident on a reserve or Crown land. Includes provision for reimbursing costs of on-reserve children attending provincial schools
Band councils and FN education authorities
There are presently 502 schools on reserve. All but 8 of these are under FN management.
NI
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
23
Table 7. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Eligibility Partners Evaluation
Special Education Program
Provides FN with the support to deliver appropriate programs and services for students identified with moderate to profound special education needs.
NI For FN children on-reserve with identified special needs.
Band councils and FN education authorities
NI
Ministers’ National Working Group on Education
Mandate to provide advice to Minister on how INAC, in partnership with FN, can better foster excellence in FN education. Final report, titled Our Children—Our Keepers of the Sacred Knowledge, recommended ways to establish a high-quality FN educational system that reflects the FN philosophy of lifelong learning.
2002 Focus on on-reserve education but also on FN children attending provincial schools.
Working Group consisted of 15 Aboriginal members from across Canada selected on the basis of their personal and/or professional expertise.
NI
INAC
Education Reform
Initiative introduced as part of Gathering Strength: Canada’s Aboriginal Action Plan. Aims to improve the quality of education and academic achievement in FN schools, focusing on quality of management and governance; classroom instruction; parental and community involvement; and school-to-work transition of FN youth.
1998 On-reserve FN schools and education systems
In 1998, consultations undertaken with Chiefs’ Committee on Education of the Assembly of First Nations.
In 2000–2001 close to 75% of the Education Reform budget was managed by FN at a regional level.
NI
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Table 7. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Eligibility Partners Evaluation
Industry Canada First Nations SchoolNet Initiative
Separate internet-based access point for SchoolNet serving Aboriginal students and communities.
1994 First Nations schools Advisory board includes representatives from the Assembly of First Nations.
NI
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
25
Table 8. Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)—RCAP Recommendations 3.5.3 a–e
To assess whether early childhood education and care programs match the strategy put forward under RCAP recommendation 3.5.3, sections a to e (see above), characteristics of each program with the letter from the recommendation are provided. Additional notes in relation to RCAP are as follows:
• Funding for on-reserve Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) (as most social programs) is the responsibility of the Government of Canada (GoC).
• Some provincial governments regulate on-reserve ECEC programs and some do not. Regulation involves health, safety and training of staff; it does not require any ECEC or even Early Childhood Development (ECD) programming. Some programs may include an ECD approach and may involve parents, but we have registered a “no” in the appropriate cell if the province does not require it.
• Off-reserve programs are provided through federal or provincial funding, or both.
• The Government of Canada also funds child care for purposes of enabling parents’ employment or training.
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Characteristics (points 3.5.3 a–e) Partners Evaluation
a) Access Aboriginal children; pre-school children (0–6) off reserve
b) ECD Approach Yes
c) Aboriginal Control
Yes
d) One-Stop Funding
Yes
Health Canada
Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHS)
Prepares children for their school years by meeting the child’s needs for intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical growth
1995
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
Yes
Local providers Annual: National Process and Administrative Evaluation.
Impact Evaluation (began in 2002, completion in 2005)
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Table 8. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Characteristics (points 3.5.3 a–e) Partners Evaluation
a) Access FN children on reserve—0 to 6
b) ECD Approach Yes
c) Aboriginal Control
Yes
d) One-Stop Funding
Yes
Health Canada
First Nations Head Start
Prepares children for schooling by meeting the child’s needs for intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical growth
1997
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
Yes
FN agencies Process, impact and administration evaluated annually
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
27
Table 8. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Characteristics (points 3.5.3 a–e) Partners Evaluation
a) Access CAPC projects reported delivering 1838 programs. 38% of these were attended by Aboriginal participants
b) ECD Approach Yes
c) Aboriginal Control
Sometimes
d) One-Stop Funding
Yes
Health Canada
Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)
A general early childhood health and development initiative; groups serving Aboriginal communities and children may apply.
1992
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
Yes
Community groups Yes
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Table 8. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Characteristics (points 3.5.3 a–e) Partners Evaluation
a) Access FN and Inuit on-reserve (0–12)
b) ECD Approach Not obligatory
c) Aboriginal Control
Sometimes
d) One-Stop Funding
Yes
HRSDC First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI)
Provides affordable, quality childcare to support First Nations and Inuit parents entering work or training for employment. Supports over 7,000 child care spaces in over 390 First Nations and Inuit communities.
1995
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
Sometimes
Local community providers
NI
a) Access Aboriginal children
b) ECD Approach Yes
c) Aboriginal Control
N/A
d) One-Stop Funding
N/A
HRSDC Early Childhood Development (ECD) Strategy for Aboriginal children
New funds announced
Expansion of both Aboriginal Head Start and FNICCI via new funds for ECD and to promote a “single-window” approach to service delivery
2000
2001
2002
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
N/A
FN and Inuit organizations; provincial governments
N/A
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
29
Table 8. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Characteristics (points 3.5.3 a–e) Partners Evaluation
a) Access FN, Inuit
b) ECD Approach Sometimes
c) Aboriginal Control
Yes
d) One-Stop Funding
N/A
INAC National Child Benefit reinvestments
INAC oversees “reinvestments” as per the National Child Benefit by on-reserve FN and Inuit agencies. Reinvestments may include spending on child care or ECD
1998
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
N/A
FN and Inuit that deliver and administer social assistance
Reporting as part of NCB
a) Access FN and Inuit
b) ECD Approach No
c) Aboriginal Control
Yes
d) One-Stop Funding
No
INAC First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS)
To provide services comparable to provincial ones for FN and Inuit families
1992
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
No
FN agencies First Nations Child and Family Services Joint National Policy Review June 2000
Compliance methodologies under development
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Table 8. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Characteristics (points 3.5.3 a–e) Partners Evaluation
a) Access On-reserve FN; pre-K and kindergarten age
b) ECD Approach Yes
c) Aboriginal Control
Yes
d) One-Stop Funding
Yes
INAC First Nations Elementary Education
To provide access to elementary education for FN students on-reserve.
NI
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
Sometimes
FN agencies NI
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
31
Table 8. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Characteristics (points 3.5.3 a–e) Partners Evaluation
a) Accessible On-reserve FN parents with children 0–12
b) ECD Approach No
c) Aboriginal Control
Partial
d) One-Stop Funding
No
INAC Child/Day Care Program for parents’ employment and training
Alberta
Ontario
1992
1965
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
N/A
FN agencies; provincial departments of labour
NI
Seven Years Later: An Inventory of Population Health Policy Since the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples 1996–2003
32
Table 8. (cont’d)
Jurisdiction: Federal
Lead Department Program Start
Date Characteristics (points 3.5.3 a–e) Partners Evaluation
a) Accessible 11 agencies in New Brunswick providing programs for children 0–6
b) ECD Approach Yes
c) Aboriginal Control
Yes
d) One-Stop Funding
Yes
INAC Aboriginal Head Start New Brunswick
1995
e) Parental Involvement/ Choice
Yes
The agencies Yes
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
33
Table 9. Aboriginal Language Preservation in the School System—RCAP Recommendation 3.5.6
Jurisdiction: Federal
Program Name Aims Year Partners Eligibility
Aboriginal Language Initiative
Canadian Heritage
Increase the number and quality of Aboriginal language projects in Aboriginal communities; increase the number of communities and individuals involved in Aboriginal language activities; support the development of long term strategies for the revitalization and maintenance of Aboriginal languages.
2000–2001
Initiative implemented by Assembly of First Nations (First Nations languages), the Métis National Council and its provincial affiliates (Michif languages) and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and its regional affiliates (Inuktitut languages)
Existing national and/or regional Aboriginal representative and service delivery organizations
Cultural/Educational Centres Program
INAC
Provides funding to preserve, develop and promote First Nations and Inuit culture and heritage, through the delivery of programs and services developed at the community levels.
1971 FN and Inuit FN, tribal/district councils, Inuit communities, FN and Inuit non-profit corporations
Western and Northern Canadian Protocol (WCP) for Collaboration in Basic Education, Kindergarten to Grade 12
Common Curriculum Framework for Aboriginal Language and Culture Programs, K-12
Provincial and territorial education ministries
The revitalization and enhancement of Aboriginal languages. The Framework consists of learning outcomes in the areas of culture and language, sequenced in six developmental levels. The cultural content is organized around Aboriginal “laws of relationships” and language outcomes are tied to the cultural outcomes in various implicit and explicit ways. The specified outcomes are an attempt to address the need for cooperation and accountability in Aboriginal language and culture programs. Teachers, schools, administrators and trustees require a common language to communicate their objectives and goals. The Framework is designed to meet that need.
2000 In 1993, the ministers responsible for education in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories signed the WCP. In 2000, Nunavut joined the WCP.
The Framework is also a way of identifying the important elements of Aboriginal education and ensuring that they are included in the planning and preparation of a program. This approach is not meant to contradict the Aboriginal perspective, which is characterized by holism and spiralled learning.
NI
Seven Years Later: An Inventory of Population Health Policy Since the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples 1996–2003
34
Table 10. Youth Empowerment: Initiatives to Improve Aboriginal Student Retention—RCAP Recommendation 3.5.10
Federal Education Reform (1998)—INAC in partnership with First Nations On-Reserve Schools and Education Systems
Funding program designed to enhance Aboriginal academic achievement, in part through improving education quality, promoting parental and community involvement, increasing student retention, and introducing school-to-work transition support.
Policies and Programs for the Federal Government as of December 2003
35
AbbreviationsAFN Assembly of First Nations
CMHC Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
FN First Nations
P/T Provincial/Territorial
F/P/T Federal/Provincial/Territorial
GoC Government of Canada
FNIHB First Nations and Inuit Health Branch—Health Canada
HC Health Canada
INAC Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
In dev. In development
N/A Not Applicable
NI No Information
This publication is part of CPHI�s ongoing inquiry into the patterns of health across
this country. Consistent with our broader findings, it reflects the extent to which
the health of Canadians is socially determined, interconnected, complex and
changing. CPHI is committed to deepening our understanding of these patterns.