17
May

Assembly of First Nations Welcomes UN Recommendations on the Right to Food, Access and Food Security for First Nations

(Ottawa, ON) –Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today expressed gratitude to Dr. Olivier De Schutter, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, for engaging with First Nations leaders and communities in gathering information regarding food security particularly in northern communities.

“ With the environmental impacts of climate change and the challenges of access to nutritious foods in northern and remote communities, First Nations must be fully involved and supported in formulating solutions to protect our traditional foods and secure affordable access to nutritious foods,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Olivier De Schutter issued a statement which concluded that “… the situation of Aboriginal peoples raises specific concerns”. De Schutter called for a reform of the Nutrition North Canada program that subsidizes retailers to serve remote communities. He also called for a structural approach to tackling the socio-economic and cultural barriers to opportunities for those living on reserves that result in their not enjoying fully their right to adequate food. Finally, he regretted that neither the federal Government nor the provinces consider that they have a responsibility to support off-reserve Aboriginal peoples in overcoming the structural discrimination they face. (more…)

No Comments »

16
May

Métis Centre of NAHO Announces Winners in Fact Sheet Writing Contest

Ottawa (May 15, 2012) – The Métis Centre of The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is pleased to announce the five winners of the 2012 Métis Centre Fact Sheet Writing Contest.

• Karyne Belanger, Ottawa, ON (Traditional Art and Craftwork among Métis Adults: Findings from the Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2006).
• Lynn Barwin, La Pêche, QC (Traditional Medicine Use and Availability among Métis Adults: Findings from the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey).
• Irene Gonneau, Lake Country, BC (Depression among Métis adults: Findings from the 2006 Aboriginal People’s Survey).
• Daniel McKennitt, Edmonton, AB (Self-Rated Health of Métis Adults: Findings from the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey).
• Devonn Robinson, Ottawa, ON (Access to a Regular Medical Doctor or Family Doctor among Métis Adults: Findings from the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey). (more…)

No Comments »