Indian and Northern Affairs Canada: Strategic Outcomes and Program  Activity Descriptions

The Government

Good governance and co-operative relationships for First Nations, Inuit and Northerners.

Governance and Institutions of Government

The efforts related to this program activity assist in achieving social and economic vibrancy in First Nation and Inuit communities. It supports individual community and aggregate based governments and governance systems by assisting them establishing effective governance and associated capacities, processes and mechanisms (such as by-law making authority, election processes). Particularly, support is provided to First Nation and Inuit governments as well as their respective institutions of government. These institutions include but are not limited to those that provide services in the areas of governance, land claim organizations and professional associations.

Supporting Governments

This sub-activity supports the implementation of self government and land claims. The department provides assistance to develop policies, initiatives, legislation and other tools and mechanisms (i.e., training, assessment tools), that support the development of First Nation and Inuit governance capacity as well as the transition from building capacity to exercising those capacities in the form of demonstrating effective governance abilities. In these communities, governance capacity development and the implementation of government functions is assisted through program funding, tools and mechanisms designed to enrich community governance and the administration of government through professional development of individuals as well as community governments; initiatives that contribute to the cost of governing; and policies and legislation that enable communities to fully exercise their range of responsibilities.

Institutions of Government

To assist communities in the development of social and economic prosperity INAC provides funding to support First Nations and Inuit institutional capacity development at the individual community level, as well as their institutions of government at the aggregated local, regional and national levels. These institutions benefit from departmental programs, policies and mechanisms that are focused on institutional development related to both community and program governance (including professional development in the areas of land, resource and environmental stewardship). Legislative alternatives also exist for communities who wish to assume and exercise broader authorities (such as real property taxation).

Co-operative Relationships

This program activity addresses constitutional and historic obligations, reduces conflict through negotiation and enables all parties to work together toward reconciliation. Co-operative Relationships are about mutual respect. They establish an atmosphere of trust, accountability and respectful partnerships among governments, First Nations and Inuit. This atmosphere, in turn, supports social, economic and cultural growth in First Nation and Inuit communities and increases their self-reliance. Co-operative Relationships are the basis for mutually reached resolution of claims and other rights issues. Through Co-operative Relationships, land claims and self-government agreements are negotiated and implemented, treaty relations between the Crown and First Nations are clarified and supported, certainty is obtained over the ownership, use, and management of land and resources, and Inuit are effectively represented in federal policy decisions.

Negotiations of Claims and Self-Government

The funds associated with this sub-activity cover costs typically associated with negotiations for the federal parties and the Aboriginal parties (e.g., staff, negotiators, travel, consultation, legal fees, research etc), and also assist in providing Aboriginal capacity in order to improve social and economic conditions for First Nation communities and their members. It also assists First Nations to seek certainty and clarity of rights to ownership, management and use of land and resources in those areas of Canada where Aboriginal title has not been dealt with by Treaty or superseded by law. Finally, some groups seek resolution of outstanding historical obligations, particularly with regard treaty obligations and the management of land and other assets. Through the Comprehensive Claims, Inherent Right to Self-Government and Specific Claims Policies, the Government of Canada has been negotiating with Aboriginal groups as well as provincial and territorial governments towards reaching practical and workable agreements in an attempt to resolve outstanding issues through negotiations as opposed to litigation or confrontation.

Treaty Commissions

Historic treaty commissions have been mandated jointly by Canada and First Nations groups, and with the support of the relevant provincial government, in recognition of the importance of treaties and the treaty relationship between the Crown and First Nations. The mandate of commissions is to facilitate discussions on treaty subject matter between Canada and First Nations; to conduct public education programs and perform research regarding treaties; and to provide advice to the Crown and First Nations regarding practical measures that would give expression to historic treaties and improve the socio-economic welfare of First Nations. Commissions may also arrange for dispute resolution mechanisms for issues which affect the treaty relationship. In some circumstances commissions and treaty tables may provide viable alternative mechanisms to litigation for First Nations with a treaty-related grievance.

Treaty Tables

At treaty tables, Canada and treaty First Nations seek to develop common understandings of historic treaties through discussions on treaty subject matter; to clarify the treaty relationship between the Crown and First Nations; and to identify practical treaty-based outcomes which would give expression to historic treaties and enhance the socio-economic welfare of First Nations. Discussions are relationship-based and not rights-based. Tables may initiate public education regarding programs historic treaties. A table may or may not operate in conjunction with a treaty commission. The joint approach needed when working at tables and with commissions promotes partnerships and improved relations between Canada and First Nations.

Inuit Relations

The Canadian Government has committed to increase the understanding of Inuit interests, to resolve issues of common concern, and to work cooperatively with relevant provincial and territorial governments, and national and regional Inuit organizations to improve the socio-economic and environmental well-being of Inuit.This sub-activity consists in strengthening relations with Inuit by working with Inuit organizations and governments, and with federal government departments and agencies to bring greater coherency, relevance, and effectiveness to federal policies and programs as they affect Inuit. This is done through the Inuit Relations Secretariat which raises awareness of the distinct interests and needs of Canada's Inuit with federal government departments and agencies, and provincial and territorial governments. It coordinates, partners, and conducts research and serves as a repository for current Inuit research, to build federal knowledge and in-house expertise on Inuit issues, and to provide evidence-based advice on Inuit needs and priorities in federal policy and program development and authorities renewal.

Consultation and Engagement

This sub-activity provides technical, process and financial support to INAC Aboriginal stakeholders to maintain cooperative relationships with the Department. This support could take several forms such as advice on how to engage community members in the development of a community plan, contributions to a representative organization for core operations (administration, elections, finance), contribution for engaging with the Department at the technical level on the development of a specific policy or legislation, or for complying with the Crown's duty to consult.

Claims Settlements

This program activity consists in providing approved payments to First Nations for the settlement of special, specific and comprehensive claims which were successfully concluded through a negotiation process.

Specific Claims

The objective of this sub-activity is to ensure that Canada honors its financial obligations resulting from the negotiation of settlements with the First Nations and, where applicable, the province, by providing monetary compensation to native claimants who have brought forward specific claims which were successfully concluded. Specific claims deal with past grievances of First Nations. These grievances relate to Canada's obligations under historic treaties or the way it managed First Nations funds or other assets. For example, a specific claim could involve the failure to provide enough reserve land as promised in a historic treaty or the improper handling of First Nation money by the Crown. Canada completes a thorough review of the facts of each claim to determine whether it owes a lawful obligation to a First Nation.

Special Claims

The objective of this sub-activity is to ensure that Canada honors its financial obligations resulting from the negotiation of settlements with the First Nations and, where applicable, the province, by providing monetary compensation to native claimants who have brought forward special claims which were successfully concluded. Special Claims are claims that do not meet the definition of comprehensive or specific claims. For example, the negotiations of La Seigneurie in Oka, negotiations in Caledonia.

Comprehensive Claims

The objective of this sub-activity is to ensure that Canada honors its financial obligations resulting from the negotiation of settlements with the First Nations and, where applicable, the province, by providing monetary compensation to native claimants who have brought forward comprehensive land claims which were successfully concluded. Comprehensive land claims negotiations address concerns raised by Aboriginal people, governments and third parties about who has the legal right to own or use the lands and resources in areas under claim.

The People

Individual and family well-being for First Nations and Inuit.

Education

This program activity provides First Nations and Inuit communities with tools to achieve educational outcomes comparable to those of other Canadians. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has primary responsibility under the Indian Act for the elementary and secondary education of status-Indians living on reserve. As a matter of social policy, INAC also supports on-reserve status-Indians and Inuit students in the pursuit of post-secondary education. Support provided through the Education programs includes provisions for instructional services, special education services as well as targeted initiatives which aim to enhance First Nation education management, improve teacher recruitment and retention, and encourage parental and community engagement. New targeted funds have been recently included to improve the provision of elementary and secondary education services through both a partnership and a student success program.

Elementary and Secondary Education

Through the Elementary/Secondary Education Program, INAC fulfils its responsibility for the elementary and secondary education of status-Indians living on reserve. The program supports First Nations, Band Councils or First Nation administering organizations in providing eligible students living on-reserve with elementary and secondary programs and services comparable to those of the province in which the reserve is located. Funding provided by INAC is used for teachers' salaries; instructional services in on-reserve schools (band operated and the seven remaining federal schools); the reimbursement of costs of on-reserve students attending provincial schools; funding for the provision of student support services such as transportation, counselling, accommodation and financial assistance; management and governance issues related to education; curriculum and language development; teacher recruitment and retention strategies; engagement of parents and the community in education; and the availability of technological resources. Two programs are setting the foundation for longer term improvements in education by focussing on school success planning, student learning assessment, and performance measurement; as well as establishing new or advancing existing tripartite education partnerships with First Nations and provinces.

First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy

The First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy provides opportunities for First Nation and Inuit youth (aged 15 to 30, who ordinarily live on reserve or in recognized communities) to improve their employability skills through the Skills Link and Student Summer Employment Opportunities Program. This program is proposal-driven.

Education Agreements

This sub-activity refers to the Education Jurisdiction Implementation Agreements, which provide direct funding to First Nation Band Councils or First Nation administering organizations that have reached sectoral self-government agreements negotiated pursuant to Canada's Inherent Right Policy in recognition of their jurisdiction over education. Funding is mostly for the delivery of education programming and the required support services for kindergarten to grade 12 children depending on the terms of the agreement. Incremental governance costs of sectoral education agreements, if required, may also be funded from resources set aside for self-government purposes. Such mandates need Cabinet approval and then a Treasury Board submission, except for the revision of an existing mandate under the recently approved sustainability of self-government MC. Funding is also provided to First Nations for elementary and secondary education under the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement and the Mi'kmaq Education Agreement. Finally, funding is provided for the negotiation of education agreements in British Columbia pursuant to the umbrella agreement with the First Nation Education Steering Committee.

Special Education

The Special Education Program (SEP) provides investments in programs and services for students ordinarily resident on reserve with identified special education needs. Program funds are targeted to improve the quality of education and levels of support services for eligible students with special needs classified as moderate to profound. The objective is to allow students to achieve their fullest potential and be contributing members of society, as well as increase the numbers of high cost special needs students acquiring a regular high school diploma.

Post-Secondary Education

The Post-Secondary Education Program supports the increased participation and completion of First Nation and Inuit students in recognized post-secondary education programs. The funding for both components of the program is provided to INAC regional offices which then allocate funding to First Nations and Inuit or post-secondary Institutions based regionally determined formulas.

Cultural Education Centres

The Cultural Education Centres Program provides funding to Cultural Education Centres to support First Nation and Inuit communities in expressing, preserving, developing and promoting their cultural heritage and languages, in developing culturally relevant curricula for First Nation and Inuit students, in promoting cross-cultural awareness in mainstream education programs and institutions, in developing and increasing access to new and more accurate information about First Nations/Inuit heritage, and in improving opportunities for the public to become knowledgeable about, and sensitive to, the historical and current role of First Nations people/Inuit in Canada. This program also offers funding to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF). It is a national, not-for-profit organization with corporate and government support to deliver programs that promote the professional development and education of Aboriginal peoples, provide tools for achieving brighter futures and promote and acknowledge Aboriginal role model and contributions to Canadian society.

Social Development

Supports the provision of: income assistance to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and families consistent with provincial programs and standards; First Nations child and family services to improve their well-being and security; assisted living for social support services of a non-medical nature such as in-home care, short term respite care, foster care and institutional care to improve their well-being and security; Family Violence Program to improve safety and security, particularly of women and children at-risk; National Child Benefit Re-investment to support low-income families with children to help prevent or reduce the depth of child poverty; and other social services to build self-reliant, sustainable, healthy and stable First Nation communities.

Income Assistance

The objective of the Income Assistance Program is to provide support for basic and special assistance needs of indigent residents of First Nation reserves and their dependants at a standard comparable to the reference province/territory. The program also provides limited funding for pre-employment supports. Funding and management are provided by INAC via the regions, and the programs are administered by the First Nations according to provincial standards, rates and eligibility criteria and the program's terms and conditions. Recipients must meet the eligibility criteria and be ordinarily resident on-reserve.

First Nations Child and Family Services

The objective of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program (FNCFS) is to provide access to culturally sensitive child and family services for First Nations. Eligible recipients are registered First Nations individuals living on-reserve. Since this is an area of provincial jurisdiction, First Nations agencies receive their mandate and authorities from the provincial or territorial government. Where First Nations Child & Family Services agencies do not exist, INAC funds services which are provided by the province/territory.

Assisted Living

The Assisted Living Program provides non-medical social support services that meet the special needs of seniors, and children and adults with disabilities and chronic illness, at standards reasonably comparable to the relevant province or territory for the purpose of maintaining functional independence and greater self-reliance. It delivers in-home care, foster care and institutional care services (up to Type II) to residents on reserve. Funding and management are provided by INAC via the regions, while the province is responsible for licensing and monitoring facilities, providing funding for higher levels of institutional care off reserve and setting program rates and standards.

Family Violence Prevention

The Family Violence Prevention Program strives to mitigate the effects of family violence and create a more secure family environment for children on-reserve, by providing violence prevention and protection services for First Nation women, children and families. INAC provides operational funding to a network of 35 shelters on-reserve serving approximately 265 First Nations. The program also provides community-based projects aimed at preventing family violence for First Nations individuals and their families.

National Child Benefit Reinvestment

The National Child Benefit Reinvestment (NCBR) is one component of the wider National Child Benefit (NCB) initiative. The NCB initiative is intended to help prevent and reduce the depth of child poverty, promote attachment to the workforce, and simplify the administration of benefits for children. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) is the lead federal department responsible for the NCB; the off-reserve NCBR component is overseen by HRSDC, while INAC manages the NCBR on-reserve. INAC's NCBR supports fall under one or more of the following five (5) activity areas: childcare; child nutrition; support for parents; home-to-work transition; cultural enrichment.

Family Capacity Initiatives

The objective of Family Capacity Initiatives is to provide funding to First Nation communities for family initiatives and capacity building activities such as daycares in Ontario and Alberta that promote and nurture healthy child and family development and federal horizontal activities that promote Eearly Childhood Development (ECD) integration and coordination. This includes contribution agreements to provide access to formal day care programs and related support services that are comparable to off reserve services. It also includes funding for pilot projects under the horizontal interdepartmental Early Childhood Development Strategy, which is designed to enhance programs and services, increase research and knowledge, build capacity, and explore coordination and integration of service delivery to First Nation communities. Finally, it includes proposal-based funding aimed at addressing underlying issues facing Aboriginal communities such as family breakdown and poor living conditions under Gathering Strength.

Managing Individual Affairs

The Managing Individual Affairs program activity ensures responsible Federal stewardship of the provisions of the Indian Act that pertain to Estates, Band moneys, registration and Band membership through direct client-services as well as partnerships with First Nations to deliver select services including the administration of Estates and the Indian Registration Program. The Program Activity is also responsible for administering the portions of the First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act that pertain to Indian Moneys as well as the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, implemented on September 19, 2007, which oversees the federal obligations outlined within the Agreement and other federal initiatives related to the impact of Residential schools on Aboriginal people in Canada.

Registration and Membership

Section 5 of the Indian Act mandates Indian and Northern Affairs to maintain the Indian Register which is a listing of all persons registered as Indians within the meaning of the Indian Act as well as band members for Departmentally-controlled band lists. At the First Nation level, Indian Registration Administrators work on behalf of the department to maintain the Indian Registration program and have specific authorities delegated to them through the Indian Registrar. In addition, the Individual Affairs Branch issues the Certificate of Indian Status card, which is used to identify those eligible to receive key programs and services that are available to registered Indians. A current, up-to-date and accurate Indian Register is a fundamental component to the delivery of departmental programs and services as it identifies the entitled demographic.

Management of Band and Individual Moneys

INAC is responsible for the management of Indian moneys provisions of the Indian Act which define the collection, maintenance and accounting of Indian money. The Indian Moneys section of Lands and Trust Services executes the overall administration of Indian moneys held within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) for the use and benefit of Bands. These revenue moneys are defined as all Indian moneys other than capital moneys (those derived from the sale of surrendered lands or non-renewable resources such as oil and gas) and may include, but are not limited to, the proceeds from the sale of renewable resources, rights-of-way, fines and interest earned on capital and revenue moneys held in the CRF.

Estate Management

The Estates Management Program is comprised of two areas, the decedent and the living estates programs and provides for the management and administration of the estates of deceased, mentally incompetent and minor Indians on-reserve. The Estates program derives its mandate (authority) from the Indian Act and the Indian Estates Regulations. The program is responsible for developing policy, procedures and providing advice on the management and administration of Estates under the Act.

Treaty Annuities

The Treaty Annuity Program is responsible for administering payments and benefits according to the various treaties that First Nations signed with the British and later Canadian government. As each treaty is unique; so are the benefits to which each First Nations individual is entitled. Many treaties provide for annual payments, which are paid in cash at Treaty Day events and amount to roughly $1.7 million annually.

Residential Schools Agreement

Indian Residential schools were mostly operated by four religious denominations and funded by the federal government, from before Confederation to 1996. The courts in each jurisdiction approved the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which was implemented on September 19, 2007, with final deliverables up to 2017. The administration of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) seeks to further reconciliation with former student residents of Indian Residential Schools, their families and communities by providing: financial compensation (through validation of their residency and an independent assessment of more serious harms they may have suffered), a disclosure forum and the provision of healing and commemorative services.

The Land

First Nations and Inuit benefit from their lands, resources and environment on a sustainable basis.

First Nations Governance over Land, Resources and the Environment

The overall program framework for the assumption of governance responsibility of First Nations is composed of several programs which may act either as an incremental process toward Self government or as individual, discrete, optional programs which First Nations may select and opt into. The Reserve Land and Environmental Management Program program builds First Nations Capacity through training and participation in land management in conjunction with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) officers. The Regional Land Administration Programs involve delegation of some Ministerial authorities that allow First Nations to act on their own behalf. First Nation Land Management offers First Nations the opportunity to assume full control over their land, transferring from the Indian Act to an individual land code.

First Nations Land Management

This sub-sub activity relates to the First Nations Land Management (FNLM) regime. The FNLM regime provides First Nations with the statutory authority for managing and developing Indian reserve lands, and the recognition of rights and capacity with respect to the governance and management of their lands outside of the Indian Act. Participating First Nations develop their own land code and negotiate transfer of land management responsibilities. Once operational, First Nations are responsible for managing their reserve lands and associated revenues as they are no longer governed by the 34 land management sections of the Indian Act. The result is an accountability and liability shift from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to participating First Nations.

First Nations Oil and Gas Management

The First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act (FNOGMMA) enables First Nations to assume control of the regulation and management of oil and gas related operations on their reserve lands and/or receive and manage money held by Canada in the Consolidated Revenue Fund on behalf of them. First Nations that opt into the oil and gas component receive grants and contribution funding for: developing laws, codes and agreements; capacity development and training; and, community consultation and ratification. First Nations that opt into the moneys component receive the same grants and contribution funding except they are not eligible for capacity development and training funding.

Responsible Federal Stewardship

This program activity contributes to the objective established by the Priorities and Planning Committee of Cabinet in September 2007 to promote economic development and good governance on reserve. It establishes the conditions for First Nations under the Indian Act to accelerate the pace at which they are able to exercise greater control over the management of their reserve land, resources and environment and effectively implement and expand the First Nations Land Management regime to facilitate the movement of more First Nations beyond the Indian Act. It involves a close collaboration with First Nations, Aboriginal associations and organisations, other government departments and private stakeholders such as oil and gas companies.

Land and Resources Management

This sub-activity supports the discharge of the Crown's statutory obligations and fiduciary duties concerning land, resources and environmental management federal through the creation of legal interest, the registration of legal interest, as well as land and resources management capacity building. It involves the provision of land and resource management services to First Nations on reserve lands. Investments aimed at registering legal instruments in the Indian Land Registry System (ILRS) and clearly defining the boundaries of reserve lands through survey activities assist in supporting this sub-activity.

Oil and Gas Management

There are 130 First Nations producing or potentially producing oil and gas. This sub-activity manages and regulates oil and gas development on First Nation reserve lands, through Indian Oil and Gas Canada (IOGC), pursuant to the Indian Oil and Gas Act and regulations. IOGC works with First Nations to negotiate oil and gas agreements with companies for exploration, leasing and production. IOGC issues and administers the resulting agreements, ensures compliance, manages royalties and receives resulting revenues from companies on behalf of First Nations. The Indian Oil and Gas Act is currently being amended and First Nations, through their advocate the Indian Resource Council, receive grants and contribution funding for their participation in the legislative and regulatory development processes.

Enviromental Management

This sub-activity supports compliance with federal environmental legislation, regulations and policies, the reduction of environmental liabilities, and the development of proactive approaches to environmental management and sustainable development. As outlined in the Environmental Stewardship Strategy (ESS), it facilitates the implementation of an integrated approach to environmental and natural resource management for reserve lands in order to protect the health and safety of communities, as well as the integrity of the environment while promoting economic and social development opportunities. Working in partnership with First Nations, it contributes to the sustainable development in, all Indian and Inuit Affairs Program (IIAP) sectors and other government departments.

Clarity of Title to Land and Resources

This program activity aims to provide legal certainty on ownership over on-reserve land and resources. It enables financial institutions and other investors to partner with First Nations in economic development opportunities on reserve. This includes adding land to reserve, providing clarity of title to reserve lands and resources through surveys, ensuring that the government's fiduciary obligations are met, implementing land transfers under specific and comprehensive claims, and negotiating restoration of mineral title to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada for the benefit of First Nations communities.

Comprehensive Claims Land Transfers

This sub-activity involves the vesting of federal title to crown lands, where applicable, to First Nation claimant groups, subject the provisions of a Land Claims Settlement Agreement. The nature and extent of these lands are described in the negotiated Settlement Agreement, and the vesting of title occurs - in law - upon the enactment date of the Settlement Legislation.

Additions to Reserve

This sub-activity involves the granting of reserve status to land that a First Nation has acquired or is entitled to receive through treaty settlement or land claim, legal purchase, court order, or other process. The process involves appropriate consultations, surveys, appraisals, environmental reviews, and the transfer of existing interests in the land when required.

The Economy

Economic well-being and prosperity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Individual and Community Business Development

Activities under the Aboriginal Business Development Program aim to create a modern business climate for Aboriginal individuals and communities to participate in Canada's economy and further share in its economic prosperity by addressing the limited range of financing provided by commercial lenders. To support sustainable business development, the program enables access to private sector business financing at competitive rates, as well as essential business information/advice. It also facilitates private sector partnerships in major resource and energy business projects and strengthens Aboriginal-owned or controlled financing institutions to provide developmental lending and advisory services to Aboriginal businesses.

Viable Businesses

Under the Aboriginal Business Development Program, the Aboriginal Business Development component focuses on increasing economic participation by supporting Aboriginal individuals and communities in the establishment, expansion, modernization or acquisition of viable businesses. This component of the program provides access to equity and private sector debt financing at competitive rates as well as professional business advisory services which are crucial for viable business.

Business Financing Institutions

Under the Aboriginal Business Development Program, the Aboriginal Financial Institutions component supports Aboriginal-owned or controlled financing institutions to provide developmental lending (debt capital) and advisory services to those Aboriginal businesses who are not able to secure these services through mainstream commercial financial institutions.

Community Investment

For most First Nation and Inuit communities, economic development progress has been slow. The Community Investment program activity provides project-based and core funding to support communities and individuals in their efforts to effectively identify, assess, organize and plan economic development pursuits. This program activity is intended to enhance the ability of communities and individuals to participate in the economy and benefit from economic development opportunities. The activity is expected to yield increased employment and income levels, leading to improvements in the overall economic well-being and prosperity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Community Economic Strategies

The Community Economic Strategies sub-activity contributes to the Community Investment program activity by providing project-based funding to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in identifying and assessing economic development opportunities, and to facilitate community and business partnerships. This sub-activity is intended to prepare communities to activate the economic potential of their assets and resources and help strengthen employment and business growth potential. The activity is expected to yield increased community revenues, as well as business, employment and income growth.

Community Economic Institutional Capacity

The Community Economic Institutional Capacity sub-activity contributes to the Community Investment program activity by providing core and project-based funding to ensure First Nations and Inuit community economic institutions have the capacity to support community economic planning. This sub-activity is intended to ensure communities have access to high quality support necessary to conduct economic development planning. The activity is expected to yield an increased number of communities that are developing and/or implementing their economic development plans and realizing the economic benefits of doing so.

Community Infrastructure

This program activity supports the provision of funding for the acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of: community facilities such as roads, bridges, water and sewer, and administration offices; education facilities, such as schools and teacherages and on-reserve housing.

Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

This sub-activity supports the provision of funding for the planning, design, construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of infrastructure facilities, including: community water supply, treatment and distribution systems; and community wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems. It includes the provision of funding for: coordination, training and capacity building for activities related to water and wastewater facilities; identification of on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure needs; development of water and wastewater infrastructure capital plans; and the design, and ongoing implementation of water and wastewater facilities maintenance management practices. The goal is to support First Nations in meeting health and safety standards and providing their residents with similar levels of service to off reserve communities. First Nations identify their priorities and needs and present project proposals to the department. Grants and contribution funding is provided for projects based on a priority assessment.

Education Facilities

This sub-activity supports the provision of funding for the planning, design, construction/acquisition, renovation, repair, replacement, operation and maintenance of federally- or band-operated elementary/secondary education facilities (including school buildings, teacherages and student residences), and any related facility services. This includes the identification and acquisition of necessary land rights. Supports the provision of funding for the acquisition, replacement, and repair of furniture, equipment and furnishing for federally- and band-operated schools, teacherages and student residences and for the identification of education facility needs and the development of education facility plans and the design and ongoing implementation of maintenance management practices. Also supports the provision of funding for agreements with provincial school boards for the planning, design, construction and acquisition of facilities, for the elementary/secondary education of Indian children.

Housing

This sub-activity supports the provision of funding for the planning, design, construction and acquisition of new housing units and renovation of existing housing units. Housing units include single units, multi-units, mobile homes, as well as "special needs" housing such as homes for the elderly, group homes, and homes for people who require assisted living but not medical care. Also supports the provision of funding for housing related activities such as operation and maintenance, inspection, and management of housing programs.

Community Infrastructure Assets and Facilities

This sub-activity supports the provision of funding for the planning, design, construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of community infrastructure assets and facilities. It also supports the provision of funding for coordination, training and capacity building for activities related to community infrastructure assets and facilities. The goal is to support First Nations in meeting health and safety standards and providing their residents with similar levels of service to off reserve communities. Delivery of the program is devolved to First Nations, in support of INAC's policy of devolution of responsibilities to First Nations. First Nations identify their priorities and needs and present project proposals to the department. Grants and contributions funding is provided for projects based on a priority assessment.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

This sub-activity will address greenhouse gas and criteria air contaminant emissions from energy production and use in Aboriginal and northern communities, including off-grid communities, by providing incentives to catalyze renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, such as investments in small and micro hydro, wind turbines, improved diesel generation efficiency, district heating and home and building heating systems. The program will assist Aboriginal and northern communities through all stages of project development, including project identification and inception, feasibility and planning studies, financial and project completion. It is expected that this initiative will assist in the overall increase in installed electrical generation capacity, resulting in the accompanying displacement of natural gas, coal and diesel-electric generation. As a result of the increased electrical generation, greenhouse gas and associated criteria air contaminants emissions will be reduced.

The North

The people of the North are self-reliant, healthy, skilled and live in prosperous communities.

Northern Governance

This program activity strengthens northern governments by devolving province-like responsibilities for the land and natural resources, adopting effective intergovernmental mechanisms, managing strategic issues, and strengthening domestic and international inter-governmental co-operation on circumpolar issues.

Political Development and Government Relations

This sub-activity facilitates the growth of strong, effective and efficient government structures in the North. Pursuant to the assumption of control of land and resources in the Yukon by the Government of the Yukon on April 1, 2003, similar devolutionary transfers are being negotiated in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The devolution of province-like responsibilities for land and resource management will strengthen northern governance. Support for legislation and policy initiatives, the advancement of intergovernmental processes, the appointment of Territorial Commissioners and the provision of information on MLAs, Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers are also supported by this sub-activity.

Circumpolar Liaison

In the context of strengthening northern governance and economic prosperity for First Nations, Inuit and Northerners, this sub-activity fosters circumpolar cooperation and enhances international collaboration in support of efforts to promote consensus and information-sharing among circumpolar states on key Arctic issues. This is accomplished through participation in, and support of, national and international forums including such entities as the Arctic Council. Through these efforts, this sub-activity promotes circumpolar cooperation among the 8 Arctic countries while advancing important Canadian interests.

Healthy Northern Communities

This program activity benefits all Northerners by reducing the costs of transporting nutritious, perishable foods and other essential items to isolated northern communities and by researching the sources and effects of contaminants on the Arctic food chain. Through grants for hospital and physician services, the program activity also supports improvements to the health and well-being of members of First Nations communities and Inuit who live in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Hospital and Physician Services

This program reimburses the governments of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut for a portion of their costs for providing hospital and physician services to First Nations and Inuit residents of their respective territories.

Food Mail

This program provides payments to Canada Post to subsidize the transportation, by air, of nutritious, perishable food and other essential items to isolated northern communities. This contributes to the health and well being of Aboriginal People and Northerners resident in these communities by reducing the cost and thereby increasing the consumption of this food.

Northern Contaminants Program

This program researches and monitors levels of contamination in the Arctic food chain. The health and well-being of all Northerners is augmented as northern people consume traditional/country foods based in part on information and advice made possible by this program.

Northern Land and Resources

This program activity supports the sustainable development and regulatory oversight of the land and natural resources of the North. Oil and gas development, including offshore projects, as well as the management of mines and mineral activity are facilitated. Improved environmental management and stewardship is promoted through the continued development of the northern regulatory regime. The identification and clean-up of contaminated sites improves environmental conditions, while the development of arctic science and the increase to the knowledge base through, among others, the activities of the International Polar Year, helps in the development of strategies in response to the challenges of climate change and adaptation. The concerns and issues of climate change are addressed in the interests of maintaining sustainable Aboriginal and northern communities.

Oil and Gas

This program manages the oil and gas resource interests of northerners, aboriginals and Canadians generally on federal lands in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and in the northern offshore. This is accomplished through the issuance of Calls for Nominations and Calls for Bids for new exploration rights and the establishment and administration of the terms and conditions of exploration, significant discovery and production licences. Additionally the program reviews and approve benefits plans, collects royalties, and maintains a rights registry that is open to the public.

Mines and Minerals

This program manages the mines and mineral resource interests of northerners, aboriginals and Canadians generally on federal lands in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and in the northern offshore. This is accomplished through: the assessment and collection of Crown royalties; participation in environmental assessment of northern mining projects, mineral resource assessment, and land use planning; and the promotion of Aboriginal participation in mining.

Land, Water and Environmental Management

This program manages the land, water and other environmental resource interests of northerners, aboriginals and Canadians generally on federal lands in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and in the northern offshore by aiding in the development of appropriate policies, legislation and programs. The protection of natural and cultural land through the Protected Areas Strategy which supports the identification and establishment of such lands and the conservation of the northern environment through the Northern Sustainable Development Strategy exemplify the nature of the activities included herein.

Northern Resource Legislation, Policy and Planning

This sub-activity oversees the development of resource management legislation in the North ensuring that resource development is conducted in a sustainable manner. Championing the Northern Regulatory Improvement Initiative enables the implementation of a modern, efficient policy approach for resource management in the North. As a result of the activities of this sub-activity, all Northern stake-holders, as well as, Canadians in general are provided with a resource management framework which defines responsibilities and accountabilities while addressing their interests.

Contaminated Sites

This sub-activity ensures that contaminated sites are managed to ensure the protection of human health and safety as well as the environment for all Northerners by assessing and remediating contaminated sites and supporting the employment and training of Northerners, particularly Aboriginals.

Northern Science

Through Canada's prominent role in International Polar Year activities and the creation of a world-class Arctic research station, this sub-activity will position Canada as an international leader in Arctic science. Canada's IPY initiatives and the proposed Arctic Science research station will increase the capacity of Canadians, and, in particular Northerners, to engage in, direct, undertake, and use science to build a strong economy, to demonstrate their sovereignty, to conserve and manage the environment and natural resources, and to ensure their health, and the health of their communities.

Climate Change

This program sub-activity supports the development of sustainable Aboriginal and northern communities through identification of risks and vulnerabilities related to climate change, as well as development and implementation of plans and actions to manage those risks. It supports development of capacity and policy for the integration of climate change considerations into decision-making, and develops partnerships with Aboriginal and northern governments to maintain their engagement in addressing climate change issues.

Office of the Federal Interlocutor

Socio-economic well being of Métis, non-status Indians and urban Aboriginal people

Urban Aboriginal Strategy

This program activity helps respond to the needs of Aboriginal people living in urban centres. It promotes the self-reliance and economic participation of urban Aboriginal people and expands their life choices. Through the Urban Aboriginal Strategy, the federal government partners with other governments, community organizations and Aboriginal people to support (financially and through other means) projects that respond to local priorities. The Strategy enhances the federal government's ability to align expenditures directed toward urban Aboriginal people in key centres with provincial and municipal programming in a way that both advances federal objectives and responds effectively to local challenges and opportunities.

Métis and non-status Indian Organizational Capacity Development

This program activity is carried out by the Office of the Federal Interlocutor, the Government of Canada's principal point of contact for Métis and Non-Status Indian organizations, and an advocate within government on their key issues. The main mandate of the Office is to support (financially and through other means) the work of these organizations, and help find practical ways to reduce dependency and improve the self-reliance, and social and economic conditions of Métis, Non-Status Indians and off-reserve Aboriginal people. The Office fulfills this mandate by helping Métis and Non-Status Indian organizations develop their organizational and professional capacity, so that they can build effective partnerships with federal and provincial governments, and the private sector.

Métis Rights Management

This program activity is the federal response to the 2003 Supreme Court of Canada's Powley decision, which affirmed that Métis hold section 35 Aboriginal rights under the Canadian Constitution. The program works with (through financial support and other means) nonprofit, representative Aboriginal organizations that have substantial Métis memberships to develop objectively verifiable membership systems for Métis members and harvesters in accordance with the Supreme Court's direction.

Internal Services

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; Acquisition Services; and Travel and Other Administrative Services. Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.