About Us – ACP Working Group

The Aboriginal Canada Portal includes the following National Aboriginal Organizations:

Assembly of First Nations

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is the national representative organization of the First Nations in Canada. There are over 630 First Nation's communities in Canada. The AFN Secretariat, is designed to present the views of the various First Nations through their leaders in areas such as: Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, Economic Development, Education, Languages and Literacy, Health, Housing, Social Development, Justice, Taxation, Land Claims, Environment, and a whole array of issues that are of common concern which arise from time to time.

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

Represent off-reserve Indians and Métis people living in urban, rural and remote areas throughout Canada.

Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers

CANDO is Aboriginal-controlled, community-based and membership driven, and is directed by a national regionally represented volunteer board of elected EDOs representing region of Canada. As a federally registered, non-profit society, CANDO has been instrumental in facilitating partnerships with EDOs, academics, Aboriginal leaders and senior corporate and government representatives.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Politically, Inuit are united, which is reflected in our name – Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami – meaning "Inuit are united in Canada". Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is the national voice of Canada's Inuit.

ITK has three main departments that work to represent the broad range of Inuit specific priorities at the national level: Health, Environment, and Socio-Economic Departments.

The Inuit regions are, from West to East, the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (Northwest Territories), Nunavut Territory, Nunavik (northern Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (northern Labrador). These four Inuit regions represent approximately forty percent of Canada's total landmass, and one half of Canada's coastlines.

There are approximately 55,000 Inuit living in Canada. The majority of Inuit live in 53 communities spread across two provinces and two territories. Over 90 per cent of these communities are accessible by air only.

The Inuit of Canada are now in the post land claims era of our continuing history.

Métis National Council

Since 1983, the MNC has represented the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. It receives its mandate and direction from the democratically elected leadership of the Métis Nation's governments from Ontario westward. Specifically, the MNC reflects and moves forward on the desires and aspirations of these Métis governments at a national and international level.

Native Women's Association of Canada

The Native Womens Association of Canada (NWAC) is founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote, and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of First Nations and Métis women within First Nation and Canadian societies.

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As well as the following Federal Government departments:

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)

In general, AANDC has primary, but not exclusive, responsibility for meeting the federal government's constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Northerners.

Source: Government of Canada

Canadian Heritage (PCH)

Canadian Heritage is responsible for national policies and programs that promote Canadian content, foster cultural participation, active citizenship and participation in Canada's civic life, and strengthen connections among Canadians.

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

Provides humanitarian assistance and supports sustainable development to promote a more secure, equitable and prosperous world.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) supports Canadians abroad, works towards a more peaceful and secure world, and promotes our culture and values internationally.

Health Canada (HCan)

Health Canada is the Federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances.

Human Resources and Skill Development Canada (HRSDC)

The Department of Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD) is responsible for providing all Canadians with the tools they need to thrive and prosper in the workplace and community.

Industry Canada (IC)

The department's mission is to foster a growing competitive, knowledge-based Canadian economy.

Justice Canada

The Minister of Justice is responsible for more than 45 statutes and areas of federal law. To support the Minister, the Department of Justice pursues an active policy and program agenda addressing key issues that affect the lives of Canadians.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) plays a pivotal role in helping shape the important contributions of the natural resources sector to the Canadian economy, society and environment.

Public Safety Canada

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada provides policy leadership and delivers programs in the areas of national security, emergency management, law enforcement, corrections and crime prevention.

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