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Addressee: Member States
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The Forum urges Governments, in addressing economic and social development issues, to make efforts to adopt general strategies that include considerations for the needs and rights of indigenous peoples in the policies, laws and administrative issues that affect them, and they should include participation and consultations with indigenous peoples. Governments should also consider implementing special policies directed to employment creation for indigenous peoples, facilitating access to credit and the creation of small and medium-sized businesses.
Responses
The Government of Canada reports the following:
Since April 1999, the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy has been helping aboriginal communities to strengthen their ability to compete in the Canadian job market. As part of the Government of Canada's response to the recommendations of the Royal Commision on Aboriginal peoples, the Strategy was given a five-year, $1.6 billion budget to help aboriginal communities and organizations take on the responsibility of developing and implementing their own employment and human resources programmes. The Strategy was extended until 31 March 2005. It is aimed at helping aboriginal Canadians to increase their self-sufficiency, build stronger communities, and develop long-term employment. The largest share of funding goes towards the creation of employment programmes and services. The direct involvement of aboriginal organizations and the emerging network of partnerships are among the Strategy's strongest hallmarks.
The Government of Finland reports the following:
Finland, as a member of the Arctic Council, has in the development of the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Action Plan (2004) taken into account the indigenous peoples' needs. Finland is financing the revision of the Sustainable Development Program of the Sami.
Final Report of UNPFII Session 3 (2004)
Area of Work
