Strengthening Relationships
A Cross-Ministry Initiative

In 2000, the Government of Alberta approved the Aborignal Policy Framework (APF). The Aboriginal Policy Initiative (API) is one of the ways in which the government implements the APF.

Recognizing that a collaborative approach will best address Aboriginal issues, the API continued as a cross-ministry initiative during 2001-2002.

In its first year, the API focused on establishment of an internal implementation process, including cross-ministry strategies and measures.

In its second year, the API focused on four key objectives:

1. Improve the health status and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
2. Improve education attainment and cultural appreciation.
3. Increase the participation by Aboriginal people in the Alberta economy.
4. Clarify federal/provincial/Aboriginal roles and responsibilities.

In its third year, the API has developed more consistent and focused strategies across relevant government ministries, with increasing emphasis on partnerships to address Aboriginal issues. Over 80 percent of Alberta ministries identified Aboriginal strategies in their 2002-2005 business plans.

In September 2000, Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development released a report titled Strengthening Relationships, The Government of Alberta's Aboriginal Policy Framework. For a copy of the report, click here.