Addressing Community Inclusion for Aboriginal Albertans with Developmental Disabilities

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Warren Briggs
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1 Addressing Community Inclusion for Aboriginal Albertans with Developmental Disabilities A Provincial Policy Framework October 2006

2 Background Introduction In 2002, the Persons with Developmental Disabilities organization developed a Policy Framework to address supports for First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities, in response to the Alberta Government s Aboriginal Policy Initiative. The intent of this Framework is to address community inclusion for this group of Albertans, within the wholistic context of family, community and connection to Aboriginal people and traditions. The Alberta Aboriginal Policy Initiative (API) The API is one of the top 4 priority cross-government initiatives, supported by Goal 6 in the Government Business Plan: The well-being and self-reliance of Aboriginal people will be comparable to other Albertans. Under the auspices of the API, Provincial Ministries have been working in partnership with First Nations, Métis, and other Aboriginal communities, organizations and people, as well as other governments, industry and other interested parties to improve the participation of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Aboriginal people in the life and economy of our province. The API has two goals: Aboriginal individual and community well-being and self-reliance. Clarification of federal, provincial and Aboriginal roles and responsibilities. Aboriginal Community Diversity 1 Approximately 156,000 Aboriginal people reside throughout Alberta, including Métis, Inuit and North American Indian peoples. Alberta s Aboriginal population is a heterogeneous group, comprised of: Aboriginal people with treaty status living in First Nations Reserve communities under the provisions of Treaty 6, 7 and 8, with a range of languages and cultural traditions. Approximately 37,000 Aboriginal people with band membership reside in 43 Alberta First Nations Reserves; Approximately 118,000 Albertans with Treaty Status live away from reserves; Métis people living in 8 Métis Settlements in Northern Alberta, who have special rights, under formal agreements with the Province of Alberta; Other Aboriginal people, including those with ancestral ties to First Nations groups, but without Treaty status, or Métis people who are not included in the Métis Settlements nominal role. Approximately 90,000 Aboriginal people reside in the 10 largest Alberta urban centres. 45% of urban Aboriginal people live in the Edmonton area, and 24% in Calgary Statistics Canada Census Data 1

3 The Alberta Arrangement for the Funding and Administration of Social Services. (AAFASS) Although social services are a responsibility normally assumed by provincial governments, historic Treaties signed by Canada with First Nations bands require the Federal Government to provide social services to Canadian First Nations people. This division of responsibility led to the development of parallel service delivery systems for First Nations and non-first Nations people across Canada, with significant service gaps and overlaps for First Nations people living on- and off-reserve. In 1991, Alberta Family and Social Services ratified an agreement with the Indian and Aboriginal Affairs Canada (INAAC) that simplified and rationalized social service delivery for First Nations people in Alberta. Key aspects included: The Federal Government agreed to fund social services for First Nations people living on reserve at a level comparable to other Albertans. The Federal Government also agreed to reimburse Alberta for services provided to First Nations people who ordinarily reside on reserve, but who leave reserve to obtain social services. 2

4 PDD Aboriginal Policy Framework Vision: The PDD Vision provides a basis for this framework An Alberta that honours and respects the dignity and equal worth of persons with developmental disabilities. Guiding Principles 2 Regional 1. Each PDD Community Board requires a regionally specific response to Diversity the unique mix of First Nation, Métis, Inuit and other Aboriginal people with varying languages and cultural traditions within its geographic boundaries. (PDD) Partnerships 2. Optimal results will be achieved through a range of partnerships, between PDD, at the Ministry and Community Board levels, and entities such as First Nations/Aboriginal Groups, federal and provincial government Ministries, local Authorities, and service providers. (PDD) 3. Alberta should work with Aboriginal people and Aboriginal communities to eliminate barriers to services. (APF) Cross cultural 4. Cross-cultural awareness and understanding among Aboriginal people and other Albertans is an important component of an inclusive Alberta society. (APF) 5. Supports and services for persons with developmental disabilities should be offered in an environment where the values, traditions, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Aboriginal people are acknowledged, recognized and respected. (AYTPF) Federal/ Provincial Relations First Nations Governance 6. While respecting the responsibilities of the federal government to provide services to First Nations communities and persons, PDD will advocate for Aboriginal people with developmental disabilities to have access to comparable provincial social services enjoyed by Albertans in communities of similar size and geographic location. (AAFSS) 7. The Government of Alberta recognizes the importance of policy initiatives to support the self-reliance of First Nations, Métis and other Aboriginal people and communities. (APF) 2 The first two guiding principles are specific to PDD. The additional principles come from three other sources: The Aboriginal Policy Framework (APF), the Alberta Youth Transition Policy Framework (AYTPF), and the Arrangement for the Administration and Funding of Social Services (AAFSS). 3

5 Strategic Directions The PDD Aboriginal Policy Framework has two Strategic Directions: 1. Strengthening Capacity In the PDD system: To respond to Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities and their families in a culturally sensitive manner, To support individuals choices to be included in Aboriginal community life, and to sustain natural connections. In Aboriginal communities: To support First Nations, Métis and other Aboriginal communities to include adults with developmental disabilities. 2. Partnerships In order to minimize systemic and resource barriers to community inclusion for Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities, the PDD Program and Community Boards will establish and maintain partnerships with a range of entities, including: Federal/provincial government departments, Local authorities, Service providers, organizations and other entities Roles and Responsibilities Provincial Role In collaboration with Aboriginal communities and organizations: Establish a policy framework and operational policy that addresses supports for Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities. Support the development of PDD system capacity to serve Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities appropriately. Establish an information-clearing house. Build partnerships/linkages/networks at the government level. Promote awareness of Aboriginal needs and issues within PDD. Increase understanding of developmental disabilities and ways to support community inclusion in Aboriginal Communities. Community Boards In collaboration with local First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Aboriginal people: Develop operational procedures that address culturally appropriate supports for Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities. Strengthen capacity to serve Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities appropriately, within the PDD system. Establish partnerships/linkages/networks at the local level. 4

6 Promote awareness and understanding of the needs and issues of Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities within the PDD Boards geographic boundaries. Increase understanding of developmental disabilities and ways to support community inclusion among local First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Aboriginal communities and groups. Expected Results Changes By implementing the PDD Aboriginal Policy Framework, PDD hopes to influence changes in four areas: Increased capacity within the PDD system to provide culturally appropriate supports; Increased capacity in First Nations and Métis communities to include Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities; Increased numbers of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities living ordinary lives in their home communities; Stronger partnerships between PDD and the other entities providing supports and services to First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other adults of Aboriginal descent with developmental disabilities. Outcomes For First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Aboriginal Adults with developmental disabilities: Improved quality of life, as reflected by: Positive natural support networks, including family and other members of Aboriginal Communities. Increased inclusion for Aboriginal adults in their home community. Enhancements to leisure time activities through cultural activities. For First Nations, Métis and other Aboriginal Communities Improved ability of Aboriginal communities to identify developmental disabilities and provide appropriate supports to assist individuals to live and work in their community. For PDD Intake processes that are more accessible to Aboriginal families and individuals. More effective communication and co-ordination between PDD and Federal, Provincial and First Nations human services workers that co-ordinate and provide supports for Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities. 5

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