Other Government Programs and Services

Health Care

All Canadians can access medical services through their provincial or territorial health insurance plan. If you're a First Nations person living on reserve, you can also access community-based health programs and services. Many of these are delivered locally by First Nations organisations. Contact your local health centre or band office for more information.

• Health Canada   also provides services and programs for First Nations and Inuit. Find out more:
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Resolution Sector – works with Aboriginal people and organisations, churches and federal departments to promote healing and reconciliation.
• Veterans   – as a war veteran or civilian with theatre-of-war experience, you and your family may be entitled to certain services and benefits.

Children, Youth and Education

• Aboriginal Head Start   – Provides support for preschool children and their parents.
• First Nations/Inuit Child Care Initiative   – Gives parents a chance to work or learn. Child care spaces are located in 407 First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada.
• The Youth Employment Strategy   offers programs for young people 15-30.
• Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)   provides an opportunity to earn while you gain valuable work experience.
• The Junior Canadian Rangers   offer programs for youth aged 12 to 18 living in remote or isolated communities.

Jobs and Training

• The Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program   provides an opportunity to sample military life without have to join.
• Health Canada's Indian and Inuit Health Careers Program   provides financial support of post-secondary students in the health field.
• The Aboriginal Cadet Development Program   gives you a chance to find out if you're cut out for a career in the RCMP through a three-week course at the RCMP Training Academy.
• The Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy   – Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement holders in First Nations across Canada have programs to help you get the skills and experience you need.

Business Services and Economic Development

• Aboriginal Business Canada provides financial support, business development advice, information and other resources to Aboriginal entrepreneurs.
• The Business Development Bank of Canada   supports Aboriginal entrepreneurs with a variety of services.

Arts and Culture

• The Canada Council for the Arts   offers programs to help artists create and present their work. All Canada Council programs are available to Aboriginal artists and non-profit arts organisations. In addition, there are several council programs open only to Aboriginal artists and arts organisations.

Justice, Legal Issues and Taxation

• Alternatives   to the justice system are available to Aboriginal people, particularly youth.

New Technology

• First Nations Technology Council  
• Broadband BC: Bridging the Digital Divide