Vision for AANDC

Context for AANDC's SD Vision

It is recognized that each First Nation, Inuit, Métis and northern community is unique. Thus, the long-term vision of a healthy community and the right path to that vision will be different for each community. Success will be achieved only if there is a concerted effort to work cooperatively toward the vision of each community.

AANDC has developed its own SD vision to guide the development of programs and policies. It describes the place where the department sees itself being in the future. The departmental SD vision is not the First Nations, Inuit, Métis or northern vision of sustainable development. AANDC cannot speak on their behalf, but uses a departmental vision to guide the development of the necessary tools and mechanisms to enable its employees to effectively support communities.

The department is building a direct linkage between its SD strategies, SD vision and mandated strategic direction. The foundation of these efforts is facilitating the achievement of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and northerners' visions for their own community sustainability. The role the department plays with respect to each community, now and in the future, will be tailored according to local circumstances.

AANDC's Sustainable Development Vision

Within two generations, many First Nations and Inuit communities will be healthy and safe models of sustainability. They will have housing, infrastructure, and support services comparable to those of similar size and function elsewhere in Canada. Within a protected environment, they will have effective transportation and communications links to the rest of the country and ample affordable, clean sources of energy. A majority of First Nations and Inuit communities will effectively manage their own institutions with strong governance structures. Community members, especially women and youth, will have acceptable opportunities for education, will participate in the economy, and will be able to get involved in local governance.

Métis, Non-Status Indians and urban Aboriginal people will realize their full potential economically, socially and politically in Canadian society.

Land claims and issues such as management and access to natural resources and land tenure have been largely settled through negotiations. Community planning and development will be long-term, locally driven and comprehensive.

The northern territories will be more self-sufficient and prosperous regions where people manage their own affairs and make stronger contributions to the country as a whole.

As First Nations, Inuit, and Northerners gain greater autonomy and build capacity, the types of services they will require from the federal government will change. As communities become healthier, safer, and economically and environmentally stable, a smaller department will likely emerge.

A major focus of the Department will be the implementation of the many Aboriginal self-government agreements. AANDC will also be a strong advocate for Aboriginal and northern peoples and will play a more active role as a facilitator to develop partnerships to work more cooperatively on Aboriginal and northern issues, while respecting traditions, governance structures, language, gender and culture.

Striving toward this vision strengthens the federal government's legal, constitutional, fiduciary, and treaty obligations and will require concerted cooperation.