The Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) says the federal government did not consult with it about recent changes to Jordan's Principle funding.
Earlier this year, Indigenous Services Canada, a branch of the federal government, introduced changes to funding eligibility, including updates on how it processes requests under Jordan's Principle. Following comments made by Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, SA国际影视传媒 asked YKDFN whether it had been consulted regarding these changes to Jordan's Principle, which is described as CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 legal obligation to ensure First Nations children receive adequate public services such as education.
"YKDFN is in regular communication with Indigenous Services Canada on a range of matters. However, there was no direct consultation with YKDFN regarding the recent changes to JordanSA国际影视传媒檚 Principle funding," said communications person Silal Shafqat.
He added that YKDFN is aware of the potential impacts on Indigenous students due to the loss of funding and "expect that any future decisions affecting [their] communities will involve clear and timely engagement."
SA国际影视传媒 asked Alty, who was named to the federal cabinet position after these changes had been made, why Ottawa did not consult YKDFN on this matter but did not receive a response to that question before press time.
In a previous statement to SA国际影视传媒, Alty said the federal government will work with Indigenous partners to close the infrastructure gap in the North.
"As Canada advances nation-building projects, we will be guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. We will uphold our constitutional duty to consult Indigenous Peoples, making sure that projects respect and protect their rights."
Alty did not name any specific projects but stated the federal government will consult with First Nations, Inuit, and M茅tis peoples on any legislation or initiatives that affect them.
Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler also co-authored an open letter to the federal government, urging a reversal of the funding decision.
One major cut that is still hanging over the NWT is the loss of nearly 80 educational assistants in Yellowknife District No. 1, along with reduced support for early childhood development, child and family services, mental health, addictions, and medical travel, according to SemmlerSA国际影视传媒檚 letter.
"The downstream impacts of these changes will be significant and long-lasting," it reads.
Alty's statement also says that Indigenous Services Canada works with territorial and Indigenous governments to advance collaborative models of health and healthcare that support individuals, families, and communities.
