Date extended for feedback

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EDMONTON-The deadline has been extended a month for the Alberta government to receive feedback from the public on its draft Aboriginal Policy Framework. The new date is Jan. 31.

The government reports it's had more than 35 meetings with Aboriginal, industry and government groups since the document was released for review on Sept. 15, 1999. The three main areas addressed by the framework are socio-economic opportunities, natural resource management, and "clearer" government roles and responsibilities. It sets out the principles of the province's dealings with Aboriginal people and proposes a process whereby the parties will work together on resource and economic development to the benefit of all.

The consultative process is to improve Aborginal peoples' well being and self-reliance by raising their living standard to that of mainstream society and to manage natural resources and revenues from these resources in a manner that both recognizes Aboriginal rights and quells resource industry uncertainty regarding these rights and land management issues.