AIAI RESPONSE TO FEDERAL FUNDING CUT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2012
In light of the Federal government’s funding cut’s to First Nation Organizations, First Nation’s resolve for self determination remains unchanged.
London, ON – The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians opposes the Federal government’s funding cuts to First Nation Organizations.
Earlier this week, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, John Duncan announced that the Conservative government has plans to cut funding to First Nation organizations.
The AIAI member nation chiefs have continuously opposed any funding cut backs to their First Nation advocacy organizations. The reduction in funding will have direct impacts on First Nation communities on and off reserve, and will require the organization to implement changes to the advocacy and support that it provides for its member First Nation communities.
Grand Chief Gordon Peters stated, “We cannot let the Federal government continue to make unilateral decisions that attempt to impair First Nations ability to build capacity towards self-reliance and self governance.” Peters went on to say, “Even with the use of economic sanctions, the Harper government cannot stop First Nations from advancing and implementing their inherent rights.”
Over the last two years the Association has received significant reductions in funding, most recently a 35% reduction from Health Canada.
The AIAI is mandated as a political territorial organization to defend and enhance the Indigenous and Treaty rights of its eight member First Nations. Visit them online at www.aiai.on.ca , https://twitter.com/#!/aiai_comms , www.facebook.com/aiai.pto , www.youtube.com/user/AIAIAdmin .
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Contact information: Geoff Stonefish, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, 519-434-2761 or email gstonefish@aiai.on.ca
