John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights

Circle Alberta: A Dialogue on Aboriginal Futures

 

Background

On October 20-22nd, 2006, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights hosted the Building World Peace: The Role of Religion and Human Rights international conference where former First Nations Chief Ovide Mercredi spoke about human rights issues for Aboriginal peoples. Mr Mercredi emphasized the violations of indigenous people's rights and criticized political and economic dominance. When asked what action could be taken, Mr Mercredi suggested that dialogue was the first critical step in moving forward.

The vision for Circle Alberta: A Dialogue on Aboriginal Futures--Strengthening Relationships for Shared Prosperity is to use relationship-building as a guiding framework to engage in a dialogue on critical issues, to highlight capacity building activities which are currently taking place and to create strategies towards sustainable and effective solutions.

The focus of the project will be on moving forward, integrating existing initiatives and activities of the various levels of government, academia and community groups, and developing more opportunities for aligning strategic initiatives. The project will have a particular emphasis on Aboriginal engagement in the economy as a critical area that will have ripple effects into enhancing the quality of life of Aboriginal peoples.

More information can be found at the Circle Alberta website.

Project Purpose

The Project’s purpose is to begin the dialogue on addressing critical social, economic, and political issues facing Canada’s and, particularly, Alberta’s Aboriginal communities:

  1. To build a common understanding of how to engage in effective dialogue and create a space for the development of positive relationships;
  2. To identify what action is currently underway to respond to these issues;
  3. To identify gaps existing and any further action required; and,
  4. To create strategies for moving forward. 

 

Values and Principles of Project

To ensure a space for constructive dialogue and action planning, the project will place the following values as critical priorities:

  1. Collaboration between Aboriginal communities and individuals, private sector and government;
  2. Recognition of the value of diversity amongst all, but particularly recognizing the diversity and varied needs of Aboriginal people;
  3. Equality of opportunity; and,
  4. Recognition of the interdependence of social, economic and political factors in developing healthy and skilled individuals and communities.

 

Project Goal

Ultimately the goal of the project is to enhance the quality of life of Aboriginal peoples and their capacity for self governance and engagement in the economy.  While the project activities are focused mainly on Alberta, it will provide an opportunity as a pilot for developing new relationships and addressing the needs of Aboriginal peoples throughout Canada and will also draw on other Canadian experiences to inform the activities and outcomes