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Chief Stanley Arcand of Alexander First Nation can't understand what all the fuss is about. No sooner had Indian Affairs announced a multi-year funding agreement worth $23 million reached with the band, than the chief's phone started ringing of the hook with inquisitive journalists.

There is no difference between this funding agreement and the contribution funding negotiated with the government on a yearly basis, said Arcand. This agreement just gives the council a five-year framework in which to plan.

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Chief Stanley Arcand of Alexander First Nation can't understand what all the fuss is about. No sooner had Indian Affairs announced a multi-year funding agreement worth $23 million reached with the band, than the chief's phone started ringing of the hook with inquisitive journalists.

There is no difference between this funding agreement and the contribution funding negotiated with the government on a yearly basis, said Arcand. This agreement just gives the council a five-year framework in which to plan.

Page 3

The federal government will provide up to $1 million to the Constitutional Development Steering Committee for the creation of a constitution and government structure for the new western territory.

The committee will define and guide the process to ensure an efficient and effective structure of government is in place when the Northwest Territories divide in 1999.

A further $500,000 in funding and support in kind will be provided for the process by the GNWT.

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The newly created Aboriginal Housing Corporation in Ontario is ready to begin building the first 460 of 2,000 non-profit houses slated for off-reserve Natives.

The houses will be built in a number of urban communities including North Bay, Owen Sound, Sarnia and St. Catherines.

Ontario's Ministry of Housing announced the $200 million housing program June 6 which is estimated to generate as many as 3,000 construction and maintenance jobs in the Native community.

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The newly created Aboriginal Housing Corporation in Ontario is ready to begin building the first 460 of 2,000 non-profit houses slated for off-reserve Natives.

The houses will be built in a number of urban communities including North Bay, Owen Sound, Sarnia and St. Catherines.

Ontario's Ministry of Housing announced the $200 million housing program June 6 which is estimated to generate as many as 3,000 construction and maintenance jobs in the Native community.

Page 3

Praise from high places is what the Native Council of Canada (Alberta) received on its initiative to create an Aboriginal Bill of Rights.

The NCC(A) received support from Cecillia Johnstone, president of the Canadian Bar Association, in a letter lauding the endeavour which began in April, said NCC(A) president Doris Ronnenbeg.

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Praise from high places is what the Native Council of Canada (Alberta) received on its initiative to create an Aboriginal Bill of Rights.

The NCC(A) received support from Cecillia Johnstone, president of the Canadian Bar Association, in a letter lauding the endeavour which began in April, said NCC(A) president Doris Ronnenbeg.

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The Metis National Council declares its 1994 budget proposal a solution to the often frustrating financial arrangement it has with the federal government.

The proposal promises increased accountability to the Canadian taxpayer and a simplified fiscal relationship with the Canadian government.

In an executive summery of the proposal, the MNC outlines a streamlined arrangement which would see funding rationalized in the office of the Interlocutor, rather than have funds remitted from numerous different government departments.

Page 2

The Metis National Council declares its 1994 budget proposal a solution to the often frustrating financial arrangement it has with the federal government.

The proposal promises increased accountability to the Canadian taxpayer and a simplified fiscal relationship with the Canadian government.

In an executive summery of the proposal, the MNC outlines a streamlined arrangement which would see funding rationalized in the office of the Interlocutor, rather than have funds remitted from numerous different government departments.

Page 2

Almost half of 1,000 Quebecers responding to a survey had a negative opinion of the province's Natives. One-quarter of the respondents said they view Natives in a very negative light and an additional 23 per cent had a rather negative opinion of them.

The survey counted 21 per cent of the respondents as having a very positive or rather positive view of the Quebec Native population. More than one in four were neutral.