From a CCSA perspective, we would look to the AFN to be a guide in this. There was no systematic examination of first nation needs in other jurisdictions. I was recently asked to chair the development of a consensus strategy for New Zealand, where the Maori and Pasifika people were very much represented. The need was well defined in a manner not inconsistent with how it is here. I won't speak to scope and size, but there was a need to recognize them as specific populations—acknowledging without stigmatization that they need particular attention. We feel that attention is best placed by the first nations leaders themselves.
On November 20th, 2013. See this statement in context.