OAC Community Forum - December 13, 2012
Event Overview
We are delighted to invite you to the Aboriginal Community Forum hosted by the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition and the UAS-Ottawa Steering Committee. This event aims to foster meaningful discussions and gather your invaluable input as we navigate the future of our community initiatives.
Purpose of the Forum
The forum is a gathering for collaboration and relationship-building among community members and partners. Together, we aim to explore ways to enhance opportunities for our children and youth and ensure positive outcomes for the Aboriginal community in Ottawa.
OAC Community Forum Booklet
This update from the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition includes messages from OAC Chair Marc Maracle and City of Ottawa representative Steve Kanellakos. Inside, you'll find the event agenda, an overview of the Aboriginal community landscape in Ottawa, the OAC Community Calendar, and a list of UAS-Ottawa Steering Committee members. The document also shines a light on the work being done by OAC member organizations and wraps up with a report from the Aboriginal Education Committee, highlighting efforts to support education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal youth.
Key Updates:
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UAS Mandate Renewal: The federal budget announcement in March 2012 confirmed the renewal of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) for an additional two years, with hopes for further continuation beyond 2014.
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Recent Activities: Over the past seven months, the OAC and UAS have engaged in numerous initiatives, including:
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Completion of year-end reporting for UAS activities.
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Submission of capacity building applications to AANDC and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.
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Development of work plans aligned with the Community Strategic Plan.
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Coordination of Aboriginal participation in the City’s emergency preparedness processes.
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Establishment of the Aboriginal Education Committee, working with local school boards.
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Hosting of an Aboriginal Awareness Day in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, involving over 200 participants.
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Ongoing planning for future community forums and evaluation of municipal-Aboriginal relationships.
Areas of Focus:
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Administrative processes for effective implementation of UAS initiatives.
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The roles of provincial and municipal entities in supporting the UAS.
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Strengthening relationships with Friendship Centres and HRSDC ASET holders.
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Ensuring national cohesion and support for the UAS through partnerships.
Elders
The OAC is thankful to collaborate with several elders in Ottawa. During the community forum, three elders delivered opening and closing remarks for the event. Their biographies are provided below.