Canada
First Nation leaders meeting with prime minister


First Nation leaders in Canada are holding a one-day summit with Prime Minister Paul Martin today.

Martin said the meeting was "a new beginning" in federal-tribal relations. He will discuss a proposed reorganization of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and other issues including economic development, health care and housing.

After taking office, Martin stopped a controversial overhaul of the federal Indian Act that tribal leaders unanimously opposed. With almost no consultation, the prior administration sought to change the way First Nations govern themselves.

Get the Story:
PM's aboriginal summit set to begin Monday (CBC 4/18)
Native leaders meet to discuss housing (CBC 4/16)