The Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs, Ian Lafrenière, unveiled on Friday an investment of $141.1 million over five years, intended in particular to preserve and promote Indigenous cultures and languages.
The social and cultural action plan “is the result of a tour of the 55 communities that I did recently,” explained Mr. Lafrenière, at a press briefing in Montreal. In all, the plan includes 52 measures and is divided into six areas.
In addition to the “glaring housing needs” observed on the ground during his tour, Minister Lafrenière noted the importance of issues concerning language and culture. “I saw that there was a need to act a bit more robustly in this case,” he explained. With this in mind, the plan provides for an increase in the assistance granted to Aboriginal media. Training for the transmission of indigenous languages will also be put in place.
In addition to language and culture, measures in the plan concern the issues and challenges of Aboriginal women. Emergency financial assistance will be provided to victims of violence. A listening, chat and referral line specific to First Nations and Inuit communities will also be set up.
Other components of the plan include measures affecting the overall development of children and families, socio-economic conditions and social inclusion, health and well-being, as well as justice and public safety. .
An “outstretched hand” policy
With regard to “Bill 96”, described as a “big step backwards” by the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), Mr. Lafrenière affirmed that he was working with the Aboriginal communities in order to “find solutions”. The elected official says he advocates a policy of “outstretched hand” with regard to the concerns raised in relation to the CAQ reform of the Charter of the French language.
Last week, Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL, affirmed that the results of the four years of the caquists were “historically disappointing”. In particular, he criticizes the government for refusing to recognize systemic racism and for abandoning the inclusion of the notion of cultural security in the Act respecting health services and social services.
Regarding the notion of cultural security, Minister Lafrenière said that “work has already been launched for this summer”. Indigenous groups will be consulted to come up with a “full form” bill, he said.
Asked about the absence of Ghislain Picard during Friday’s announcement, Ian Lafrenière replied that he was at the launch of the Kwe festival! Meeting with Aboriginal peoples in Quebec. Consultations were held with the AFNQL during the development of the social and cultural action plan, assured the elected official.