The current research and policy focus areas include Health, Housing and Infrastructure, Education, Languages, Child & Family, Social Development, Women’s Issues, Urban Transition Centre, Environment, and Residential Schools.

The unit is comprised of 20 staff under full time and contract employment. The commitment and diligence of staff from the administrative support team, policy analysts and management fulfill the obligations required to implement Chiefs in Assembly resolutions and directives, facilitation of regional advocacy support activities to leadership and technical working groups and the AFN national initiatives e.g., Canada-Aboriginal Roundtable six policy sectoral forums, national working groups such as the First Nations Relationships Working Group.

Overall Goals of RPD:

Advocate the recognition and implementation of Treaties and Inherent rights.

Support community based direct involvement of First Nations, transmission and transfer of knowledge.

Advance strategic planning in legislative and policy development, program frameworks and research functions to meet First Nations community needs.

Sustain culturally approved research approaches and relevant policy and program frameworks.

Respond to First Nations priorities, identity, common issues, while respecting the distinctive First Nation cultural diversities.

KEY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

The primary RPD work plan areas are based firstly upon First Nation community identified needs and secondly, to initiate proactive and responsive action to other government initiatives. Activities include influencing federal and provincial policy, providing analysis and strategies on existing or new legislation and regulatory schemes and identifying legal developments that impact First Nations interests and rights. RPD staff also prepare submissions to the parliamentary process, committee hearings, standing committees and provincial legislatures, in accordance with political directives.

The constant challenge is keeping pace with government developments and formalizing effecting strategic assessments and options to support a First Nations specific agenda and action plan within current funding restraints. The unit works to access funding in order to meet the demands posed by the varied governmental socio-economic and politico-legal implications to First Nations distinct rights and aspirations to self-determination.

There are some recent signs of a political willingness on the part of governments and the Supreme Court decisions to reconcile the First Nations pre-existing nation status to support a nation to nation relationship and implementation of Treaties on a distinction based engagement.

LINKAGE TO FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES

A central goal of RPD is to support and advocate First Nation community based needs and solution processes. RPD prepares reports and briefings for leadership for support, review and decision making at the Chiefs Task Force/Committee level, Executive Chiefs Council, and Chiefs in Assembly for further development of strategies. Staff within the unit also participate on several First Nations technical working groups at regional and national levels as noted under the various policy reports.

STATUS OF ACTIVITIES

The RPD Director acts as the Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Committee on First Nations Health, which meets on a monthly basis and is governed by a joint senior officials steering committee comprised of First Nations, federal and provincial representatives of Health.

This process began late 2002 as part of a joint response between the AMC, MKO, SCO and the Province of Manitoba, Health Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. This committee was formed to address outstanding recommendations of the RCAP and the Romanow Report.

The AMC Chiefs Executive Council appointed Moses Okimaw to sit as the AMC representative on the AFN Steering Committee on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nations Governments. AMC has contracted Mr. Okimaw to provide legal counsel on the benefits and options outlined in the AFN National Annual General Assembly, Yellowknife, July 5-7, 2005 Report of the Strategy Committee on First Nations Governments- Current Status, Proposed Strategy and Next Steps.

The RPD Director was appointed and participated as the Manitoba technical representative to the AFN Relationship working group in Yellowknife in July 2005.

With regard to research priorities for the Treaty Relations Commission, AMC seeks to fully address the issues relating to Elders knowledge, and oral and written understandings of the spirit and intent of the Treaties, including the treaty relationships and rights. Elders have expressed concerns about ensuring the safeguarding of Treaties and that generalizations and misunderstandings are surfacing about oral histories as told by First Nations.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. Treaty Relations Commission Established in Manitoba On direction from the Grand Chief office and Chiefs Committee on Treaties and Self Determination, the Joint Technical Working Group completed the submissions to Treasury Board that resulted in the creation of the Treaty Commission Process in Manitoba and appointment of Dennis White Bird.

The commission is based on the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a Mutually Respectful Relationship signed at Long Plain First Nation on November 19, 2003. The objectives are to “enhance and maintain positive intergovernmental relations and cooperation; conduct independent and focused research to advance discussions of treaty related issues; and facilitate public understanding of the importance and role of the Treaty making in building a stronger and healthier nation.”

AMC also supported the development of an Elders Advisory Council, which is an essential provision of the MOA. Two Elders forums were held this fiscal year in support of the Elders working group to draft an Elders Protocol/Terms of Reference. AMC negotiated $100,000 budget for ten months (July to March 2005-2006) for coordination, communication, public education and oral history research and strategy development. RPD also provided transition support to the Commissioner in identifying key issues for the office. AMC is also in the process of recruiting an Oral Historian Research Coordinator as part of the AMC Work plan.

2. Policy Development

AMC proactively engages in forums that relate to issues impacting First Nation rights and interests. AMC recently advocated to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology on Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addictions.

A commitment was received from the Standing Committee to incorporate into the Final report (due Fall 2005) the issues raised by the AMC presentation recommendations which called for a First Nations lead in all stages, through community based solutions and regional development for control and jurisdiction of health care systems including a mental health policy and comprehensive mental health program for First Nations, with performance measured indicators and outcomes based on dual accountability and long term sustainable multi-year funding supported by political and administrative protocols/agreements. This presentation was made on June 1, 2005 at the Winnipeg forum in responding to the Committees “Interim Report - Options for Canada”.

3. Research:

The Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Health Research (MFN CAHR) - a partnership that developed between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and the University of Manitoba (UM), Faculty of Medicine, and Community Health Sciences Department has received local, national and international recognition. A five year evaluation is now completed (Cynthia Bird: 2005 – Final Evaluation Report under review is not yet distributed) – excerpts of the report include:

“The vision of the Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Health Research to respond to the health research needs of Manitoba First Nations’ communities, incorporate traditional healing practices and medicine into the research effort, and encourage Aboriginal students to pursue careers in health research was then translated into the Centre's mission statement and eleven goals and objectives. This process involved discussions with the Health Information & Research Committee, and staff from the Centre, including representatives from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.”

“The parties agreed that the Centre does provide an excellent opportunity for First Nations and Aboriginal peoples to work together. However, with no core funding to sustain an infrastructure it has placed the Centre [in an uncertain future]…. The partners are now challenged to re-energize the vision that was operationalized in 2001. It is now 2005 and the partners have called for a renewal of this vision.”

Currently a joint recruitment process is underway to hire a Research Associate to be situated the University of Manitoba. The successful applicant must possess that knowledge in statistical method techniques and must be experienced in developing analytical frameworks, First Nations/Indigenous research methods and procedures, and knowledge of First Nations, culture, history treaty and inherent rights. This position will be under joint direction and supervision of AMC and U of M.

4. Conference Planning and Support

The RPD unit staff sit on the AMC Conference Planning Committee and perform a range of specific tasks including development of proposals to secure funding to host these events, development and preparation of conference materials, position documents, resolutions, briefings to leadership and perform various conference duties as assigned, including conference summary reports and act upon resolutions carried by the Chiefs in Assembly.

End of Report.

The AMC Research & Policy Development (R&PD) unit prepares briefing notes and reports for the Grand Chief, Executive and Assembly of Chiefs regarding major issues requiring the political intervention of AMC to carry out its mandate of protecting and strengthening treaty and inherent rights and improving the socio-economic situation of First Nations people.

It is crucial that First Nations research be undertaken with First Nations researchers and perspectives, methodologies and ethics, so that our decision-makers have the evidence and consider the findings and analysis of research in their work. AMC R&PD supports the AMC Health Information & Research Committee (HIRC) of First Nations Health Technicians who review proposals for health research with and for First Nations. 2004-05 was a hallmark year for pursuing major research initiatives and building partnerships for long term research.

AMC R&PD staff co-edited and made contributions to the Canadian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 96, Supplement 1, "Aboriginal Health Research and Policy: First Nations-University Collaboration in Manitoba" (January/February 2005). This special journal was launched at the AMC Chiefs Assembly in Long Plain First Nation, January 2005; special recognition was given to First Nations authors and our partners at the Manitoba First Nations Primary Health Care conference in March 2005. Copies have been sent to all Manitoba First Nations and distributed at several workshops. In addition, AMC researcher Keely Ten Fingers published "Urban Dakota & Dene Quality of Life Indicators Project" (February 2005).

Both reports are available from AMC, as are reports of all the research projects reported below.

STATUS OF ACTIVITIES

Language & Well-Being

In August 2004, AMC obtained a grant from the Aboriginal Capacity and Developing Research Environments (ACADRE) Centre at the University of Manitoba, to assess increased daily use of each indigenous language as to its effects on the community's sense of well-being.

Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, and the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC), partnered with AMC R&PD, with support from the University of Manitoba Native Studies Department on this project. Experiences from this research were shared with others at the MFNERC Lighting the Fire conference in May 2005. A final report will be prepared after Elders meetings and a general workshop at each First Nation in the summer of 2005.

Suicide Prevention Research Partnership

AMC received an ACADRE grant for the AMC Suicide Prevention Envisioning Team of Elders, AMC Youth Council, and front line counselors, to seek long term research partnerships in this field. Preliminary discussions with university researchers led to several meetings with Dr. Chris Lalonde of the University of Victoria, British Columbia. AMC and the Envisioning Team pursued the idea of expanding the world recognized research of Dr. Lalonde and his colleague Dr. Michael Chandler of University of British Columbia (UBC), to consider the specific situations of Manitoba First Nations.

The cultural ways of the Cree, Dakota, Dene, Ojibway and Ojibway-Cree will determine the research approach, in concert with the population health approach of using large numbers to analyze issues and trends. An AMC research team joined with Dr. Lalonde and researchers from the Manitoba First Nations Centre on Aboriginal Health Research (MFN CAHR) to propose a three year research study which has been accepted for funding by the Canadian Population Health Institute (CPHI). The fall of 2005 will see wide spread discussions with Elders, Traditional Healers, youth, and front line workers to guide this research.

Preparing for the Future:

A. Indigenous Knowledge

In early 2005, R&PD policy analyst and researcher, Keely Ten Fingers, represented AMC at two meetings with Manitoba and Saskatchewan First Nations and Heritage Canada to develop policy regarding protecting and celebrating traditional knowledge. AMC is in the process of planning workshops with Elders and traditional peoples in 2005-06 to develop protections and guidelines for the ethical use of traditional knowledge and indigenous science.

B. Preparing for a Manitoba First Nations Data Initiative

AMC Grand Chief and staff met with Statistics Canada (StatsCan) to discuss and inaugurate a new relationship. Corporate Workplace Strategy coordinator Carla Kematch and the Manager of Research Development, Kathi Avery Kinew, followed up with several sessions with StatsCan staff to develop an MOU which will see StatsCan hire a person jointly approved by their office and AMC. This person will be trained in all aspects of the 2006 Census in Winnipeg and Ottawa, and will be available to work for AMC R&PD after 12 months training, thereby providing needed expertise for Manitoba First Nations in statistical gathering and analysis.

Part of the 2005-06 negotiated agreement will be a new relationship with more workshops and capacity building for First Nations and AMC being involved in other ways in disseminating skills in this field.

Review and Re-invigorating: Evaluation of AMC-University of Manitoba Relationship in Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Health Research (MFN CAHR).

In December 2004, AMC and the University of Manitoba (UM) Community Health Sciences reached agreement on an independent evaluation of the AMC relationship with the MFN CAHR. Well regarded researcher, Cynthia Bird, was contracted to interview researchers, academics, health technicians and leaders at AMC, UM, and Tribal Councils and First Nations to assess the joint experience since the establishment of the MFN CAHR in April 2001. The findings were discussed all parties and recommendations to improve the relationship were agreed upon. Thus, a six month follow up strategy includes the immediate hiring of a Research Association and Liaison position with AMC at MFN CAHR; high level meetings between the Grand Chief and the UM president on a regular basis; inclusion of the name Manitoba First Nations with CAHR; joint efforts to secure sustainable funding for the MFN CAHR and to include more First Nations driven research and research methodologies.

Continuing on:

i. Continuing Care Research & Costing Project - national and regional study This project is a direct result of AMC leadership lobbying for increased resources to Personal Care Homes in First Nations. This project seeks to document gaps and overlaps in continuing care from family home care through First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) Home & Community Care to Personal Care Homes, Group Homes, Elder Homes, and palliative care. Changes to federal policy at Health Canada and INAC depend upon the findings of this research. AMC is a representative on the National Advisory Committee on this project, together with Quebec First Nations Health & Social Commission and Northern Quebec Inuit representatives, Assembly of First Nations, ITK, and both federal departments.

AMC R&PD have continued working with the Manitoba First Nations Personal Care Home Network and the four First Nations who have agreed to participate in this study: Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. Interviews with key stakeholders at national, regional, and community levels are being carried out in the first quarter of 2005, with the literature review and review of national data bases just completed at the same time. AMC R&PD is working directly with the four First Nations to carry out the Phase five community interviews with clients on satisfaction with services and review of costs, also in 2005. Thus, AMC will be providing the reports to the four First Nations, preparing the regional report and contributing to the national wrap-up.

ii. Dakota Social Policy

Dakota Youth & Quality of Life in Winnipeg

Dakota-Dene Quality of Life Indicators for Urban Experience

Keely Ten Fingers continued her work with Sioux Valley and Canupawakpa Dakota Nations in pursuing how Dakota values and cultural ways can guide a more holistic approach to social policy and programs. This ground breaking work will offer ideas for Dakota and other First Nations in their efforts to provide services to their people, and overcome divisions spurred by funding sources and imposed program requirements. 2004-05 funding for this project was obtained from the INAC Social Development Program Management Improvement Initiative (SDPMII) and results will advise the Department in aspects of its renewal of authorities process.

Assessing the experience of Dakota youth and Dakota and Dene peoples in Winnipeg, Keely Ten Fingers has been supported by the Winnipeg Foundation and the Winnipeg Inner City Research Alliance (WIRA) at the University of Winnipeg. Phase 1 of the Dakota/Dene research has been completed and a report submitted, with the expectation of Phase 2 funding to carry on with the Dakota/Dene Quality of Life project in the fall-winter of 2005-06. The report of Phase one will be presented by Keely at a major Aboriginal Issues conference in Winnipeg in September 2005, and may be published in the 3rd issue of the National Aboriginal Health Organization Journal.

iii. First Nations Women and Health & Well-Being in Northern Manitoba

Keely Ten Fingers and a representative of the AMC First Nations Women's Council held discussions with the Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence (PWHCE) and will now be involved in northern workshops and act in an advisory capacity on this important work, as followup to AMC’s 2003-04 research on First Nations women and their number one health issue of stress, including changing gender roles.

iv. The Second Manitoba First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) (2002-03)

2004-05 saw the completion of the RHS interviews with children, youth, and adults of more than 30 Manitoba First Nations. MFN CAHR is in the process of completing the data reports for each participating First Nation and analysis for the Manitoba regional wrap up report by the fall of 2000. Darrin Stevenson, Kathi Avery Kinew, and the HIRC will be working with MFN CAHR on ensuring the reports and analysis are distributed and discussed at First Nations, so that this useful information can lead to improvements in health care, education, social services, and many other fields.

v. International collaboration on Indigenous Youth Resiliency

AMC worked with MFN CAHR at UM, in developing a joint proposal with indigenous researchers from Australia and New Zealand. This may be a long term study based on the Manitoba First Nations Regional Health Survey approach.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

a. AMC-INAC Joint Data Gathering, Analysis & Reporting: A Participatory Action- Research (PAR) project.

R&PD continues to lobby INAC Headquarters and Region to include PAR research in the collaborative development of compliance process for income assistance, CFS, education and O&M.

b. Fall 2005 workshop on Population Health with Indigenous methodologies

AMC is partnering with UM Faculty of Social Work and others in hosting a Research Methods workshop at UM in the fall of 2005.

c. Ethics

The AMC Health Information & Research Committee with support from Darrin Stevenson and Kathi Avery Kinew will be providing input into ethical guidelines for the three national research funding agencies in Canada. As well, AMC R&PD and HIRC are planning to host Elders and Traditional Healers meetings with First Nation Health Technicians and researchers to discuss ethical guidelines for research with Manitoba First Nations. Guidelines will be shared with all First Nations to use as they wish.