Off-reserve people want more than promises

Off-reserve people want more than just fancy promises in a Throne Speech.They want the BC Liberal government to step up and take action. The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres is leading the charge to move a commitment from government for an off-reserve Aboriginal Action Plan off the page and make it a reality to improve conditions for 70 per cent of the provincial Aboriginal population. Aboriginal people are BC’s fastest growing demographic, and fare the lowest on almost every social and economic wellness measure. The province lacks a coordinated strategy to address the needs of Aboriginal people off-reserve.

“Hearing Lieutenant Governor Steven L. Point commit to developing an Off-reserve Aboriginal Action Plan last month was a ray of hope for BC’s 145,000 Aboriginal people living off of the reserve, and an historic moment for the organizations that support them,” said Annette Morgan, president of the association. “But with some of the highest rates of suicide, addictions, unemployment, poverty, victimization and incarceration, there is no time to waste. We must put words to action today.” The goal of the action plan is to achieve better education and job training outcomes, healthier family life, culture and traditions. “Investing in an Off-Reserve Aboriginal Action plan is a winning proposition,” said Paul Lacerte, executive director of the association. “When we improve economic activity and social stability for Aboriginal people living off-reserve, we lower costs for government and create a brighter future for our people and the economy of BC.