Congress of Aboriginal Peoples facts for kids
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is an important group in Canada. It was started in 1971. This organization helps Aboriginal peoples who live off Indian reserves. This includes Non-Status and Status Indians, Métis, and Southern Inuit. Many Aboriginal people in Canada live off-reserve, more than 70% as of 2011.
CAP's main office is in Ottawa, Ontario, which is Canada's capital city. The Congress works with other groups, called affiliates, to help Aboriginal peoples living off-reserve. These affiliate groups often have their own rules and sometimes get their own funding from the Canadian government.
One of the things CAP does is manage a program called the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). This program helps Aboriginal people living off-reserve get ready for jobs and find work that is in high demand.
Contents
How the Congress Started and Grew
Founding the Native Council of Canada
After another group, the National Indian Council, ended in 1968, leaders from Métis and Non-Status Indian groups met. They came from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. In December 1970, they decided to create the Native Council of Canada. They finished writing their rules in February 1971. Soon after, the group opened its offices in Ottawa.
The Métis National Council Forms
In 1983, the Métis groups decided to form their own organization. They separated from the Native Council of Canada. They created the Métis National Council. This new group focused specifically on the interests of Métis people.
Becoming the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
In 1993, the Native Council of Canada changed its name. It became the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP). This was a big reorganization for the group.
Important Court Victory in 2016
On April 14, 2016, a very important court decision happened. The Federal Court of Canada agreed with the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. The court said that Métis and Non-status Indians have rights under Canada's Constitution. This court case was started in 1999 by Harry Daniels, Leah Gardner, and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. This decision was a major step for Aboriginal peoples living off-reserve. It changed how the Government of Canada works with them.
A Brief Name Change
For about seven months in 2016, the organization briefly changed its name. It was called the Indigenous Peoples Assembly of Canada. But this change was reversed in October 2016. This happened after the national chief who supported the name change, Dwight Dorey, was not re-elected. Robert Bertrand then became the new national chief.
Leaders of the Congress
The leader of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is called the National Chief. Here is a list of the people who have served as National Chief:
- Elmer St. Pierre (2020–Present)
- Robert Bertrand (2016–2020)
- Dwight Dorey (2015–2016), (from Nova Scotia; this was his second time as chief)
- 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)
Groups Working with CAP
These groups are also known as provincial/territorial organizations (PTOs). They are Aboriginal organizations in different provinces and territories of Canada. They choose the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples to speak for them at a national level. Each of these groups has its own rules and some get funding from the Government of Canada.
These affiliate groups are like the members of the Congress. Each affiliate organization also has its own provincial chief and president. These leaders make up the Board of Directors for the Congress. Delegates from each provincial group attend the Congress's Annual General Assembly. There, they talk about important policies, goals, and issues for Aboriginal peoples living off-reserve.
Here is a list of the organizations that work with CAP as of November 21, 2012:
- 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
