BACKGROUND:

The "Three Year Review" is an independent Review which was done in fulfilment of the Manitoba Framework Agreement paragraph 9, to review the developments in the first three years. Reviews will also occur in the sixth and tenth years.

A Joint Review Committee was established to manage the review process and consists of representatives from both DIAND/AEB and AMC/FAI.

The Joint Terms of Reference for the Review were signed March 31, 1998 to:

- Focus on the achievements of the Objectives of the Manitoba Framework Agreement and - Address the unique nature of the Manitoba Framework Agreement.

Communications to Manitoba First Nations are provided through:

- Reports and briefings on FAI to the Chiefs Committee on FAI;
- Presentations to First Nations Councils;
- Information sessions to Tribal Council Directors and Technical
- Advisory Group members and the FAI Community Coordinators;
- Information sessions on the NCI-FAI Live radio program.

PHASE ONE: Review Planning and Contracting Strategy - December 1997 to June 1998

MAANG Associates (an ÎAboriginal' consultant team) was hired through a competitive process on June 22, 1998 to conduct the Review. The budget for the Review to be cost-shared by Canada/DIAND and AMC/FAI is estimated at $125,000.

PHASE TWO: Conducting Review - July 1998 to October 1998

Letters of introduction were sent to:

- First Nations Chiefs and Councils;
- Tribal Councils;
- Independent First Nations; and
- Canada/DIAND (Manitoba Region and -Ottawa, HQ).

MAANG Associates contacted First Nations and Canada/DIAND to schedule interviews and other field work to gather data during August and September. Athough most of the data collection occurred by September, an extension to the data gathering was necessary due to re-scheduling and availability of interview respondents. Some senior official interviews were not completed by both parties until early October. An extension was approved to allow for the consultants to complete the draft report analysis.

PHASE THREE: Reporting - June to December 1998

The Joint Review Committee Management team met monthly with the consultant. Briefings and Orientation for the Chiefs Committee on the FAI were held. On October 21, 1998, there was a presentation by the consultant of "initial review findings" to the Joint Committee on the FAI. All Draft Reports were received from the consultants by December 4, 1998. On December 10, 1998, the Joint Review Committee Management met to address clarification issues with the consultant.

FINALIZATION PROCESS:

The next steps are to:

- Determine the finalization process and begin discussion on an Action Plan for the report recommendations; and
- Establish a communications plan for the translation and distribution of the Final Report to the Manitoba First Nations and Canada.
- Receive the final report on January 25, 1999;
- Translate the Executive Summary into the 5 First Nation languages by February 12, 1999; and
- Translate the Final Report in April 1999.