OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 09/04/12 -- The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today changes to funding for Aboriginal Representative Organizations (AROs) and Tribal Councils.

"The Government of Canada is taking concrete steps to create the conditions for healthier, more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities," said Minister Duncan. "To sustain that progress we are changing the funding model for Aboriginal Organizations and Tribal Councils, to make funding more equitable among organizations across the country, and ensure funding is focused on our shared priorities: education, economic development, on-reserve infrastructure, land management and governance programs."

The new model will make core funding for AROs more equitable and cap it for regional AROs, while project funding will be directed primarily at initiatives that address priorities such as education and economic development, and that promote healthier, more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities.

Tribal Councils will be funded based on several considerations, including the size of the populations they serve, the number of First Nations in their membership, and the range of major programs they deliver. This is the first significant change to the Tribal Council funding program since its launch nearly 30 years ago.

The new approach includes a simplified application and reporting process for Tribal Councils which will reduce the reporting burden on organizations. These changes will be introduced over the next two years, allowing organizations time to adapt their operations and, should they desire to, seek out new sources of funding.

Over the last six years the Government of Canada has invested in creating the conditions for healthier, more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities. Economic Action Plan 2012 builds on that progress with $275 million in new funding for First Nation education, an additional $330.8 million to build and renovate water infrastructure on reserve and improve water quality for First Nation communities, $27 million to renew the Urban Aboriginal Strategy, and $13.6 million to support Aboriginal consultation on resource development projects.

This news release is also available on the Internet at: www.aandc-aadnc.gc.ca

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