Deal inked by CAP and NWAC

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The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and the Native Women's Association of Canada signed a political protocol in Ottawa that allows for joint endeavors in policy development, communications and political strategy. The agreement aims to build on the efforts of both organizations to work with the new Harper Conservative government as it sets out to reshape Canada's Aboriginal Affairs policy.

"For far too long, federal Aboriginal affairs policy has been driven by the co-dependent relationship between the department of Indian Affairs and the Assembly of First Nations, said new Congress National Chief Patrick Brazeau. While the needs and aspirations of on-reserve status Indians are entirely legitimate, there needs to be a greater focus on the needs of the majority of Canada's Aboriginal people, 79 per cent of whom live away from First Nations reserves."

Brazeau hopes that the signing marks the first of a number of joint endeavors between the two organizations.

"We believe that there is strength in numbers and that a united voice speaks with greater clarity and precision. The recognition and accomodation of the needs and aspirations of those for whom NWAC and CAP speak is nothing short of a crusade. We believe that the time is right for such partnership. ...Together with NWAC we have nailed our colors to the mast and we move forward with hope and faith in Indian Affairs Minister [Jim] Prentice to keep the commitments the government has made thus far," he said.