Attempts to deal with First Nations ‘insufficient,’ UN official finds

OTTAWA – A new United Nations report says while there have been some positive steps in Canada’s relationships with its aboriginal people, much more needs to be done.

Law professor James Anaya, the UN’s special rapporteur on indigenous rights, says attempts by the federal and provincial governments to address problems faced by aboriginals have been insufficient.

Anaya says there’s still a “well-being gap” between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in Canada, treaty claims are still not resolved and First Nations women and girls remain vulnerable to violence and abuse.

He says aboriginal people have a “high levels of distrust” toward all levels of government.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt acknowledges more work needs to be done, but he highlighted steps the government has taken to give First Nations the same access to safe housing, education and matrimonial rights as non-aboriginals.

Anaya spent nine days in Canada last year meeting with First Nations representatives and government officials.