Congress of Aboriginal Peoples facts for kids
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is a national organization in Canada. It was started in 1971. CAP represents Aboriginal peoples who live off Indian reserves. This includes Non-Status and Status Indians, Métis, and Southern Inuit. Most Aboriginal people in Canada now live off-reserve.
CAP's main office is in Ottawa, Ontario, the capital city. The organization works with its partners across Canada. They focus on issues important to Aboriginal peoples living off-reserve. Some of these partner groups get funding from the Canadian government. This funding helps them support Métis and non-status Indians.
CAP also helps Aboriginal people find jobs. They run a program called the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). This program helps people get the right training. It connects them with jobs that are in high demand.
How the Congress Started
After another group, the National Indian Council, ended in 1968, new leaders met. They were from Métis and Non-Status Indian groups in several provinces. In 1970, they decided to create the Native Council of Canada. Its rules were set in 1971. Soon after, the group opened its offices in Ottawa.
The organization had to work hard to represent different groups. It needed to keep both Métis and Non-Status Indian members happy. This also helped them get money from the Canadian government.
In 1983, the Métis groups decided to form their own organization. They left the Native Council of Canada. They created the Métis National Council. This new group focused only on Métis people.
In 1993, the Native Council of Canada changed its name. It became the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP).
Important Moments
On April 14, 2016, a big court decision happened. The Federal Court of Canada agreed with CAP. It said that Métis and Non-status Indians have rights under the Canadian Constitution. This case was started in 1999 by Harry Daniels, Leah Gardner, and CAP. This decision was very important. It could change how the Canadian government works with Aboriginal peoples who live off-reserve.
For a short time in 2016, the organization changed its name. It was called the Indigenous Peoples Assembly of Canada for seven months. But this name change was reversed in October 2016. This happened after the leader who supported the change, Dwight Dorey, was not re-elected. Robert Bertrand became the new national chief.
National Chiefs
Here are the people who have led the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples:
- Elmer St. Pierre (2020–Present)
- Robert Bertrand (2016–2020)
- Dwight Dorey (2015–2016)
- Betty Ann Lavallée (2009–2015)
- Patrick Brazeau (2006–2009)
- Dwight Dorey (1999–2006)
- Harry Daniels (1997–1999)
- Jim Sinclair (1994–1996)
- Ron George (1992–1994)
- Dan Smith (1991–1992)
- Viola Robinson (1990–1991)
- Chris McCormick (National Spokesperson −1988-1990)
- Smokey Bruyere (1981–1988)
- Harry Daniels (1976–1981)
- Gloria George (1975–1976)
- Kermit Moore (1974–1975)
- Tony Belcourt (1971–1974)
Partner Organizations
CAP works with partner organizations in different provinces and territories. These groups choose CAP to speak for them at a national level. Each partner group has its own rules. Some also get funding from the Canadian government.
These partners are like the members of CAP. Each partner organization has a provincial chief or president. These leaders form CAP's Board of Directors. Every year, delegates from these partner groups meet. They discuss important topics and issues for Aboriginal peoples living off-reserve.
Here is a list of organizations that work with CAP:
- Aboriginal Affairs Coalition of Saskatchewan
- Alliance Autochtone du Quebec Inc
- Federation of Newfoundland Indians (Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band)
- Labrador Métis Nation (Nunatukavut)
- New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council
- Native Council of Nova Scotia
- Native Council of Prince Edward Island
- Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal Peoples
- United Native Nations Society (British Columbia)
- North West Indigenous Society
See also
