The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous communities in Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure programs and services reflect their needs. The Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable is an example of working together with Indigenous Governments and Organizations to make positive change. Stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples are part of a collective process to build for our future.
In 2017, the Provincial Government convened the inaugural Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable to discuss and advance goals shared with Indigenous communities. The National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, mental health and addictions, and the repatriation of Beothuk remains from Scotland were among the issues discussed.
The second Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable held in 2018 advanced the progress achieved at the initial gathering. Discussion was focused on the next steps towards the repatriation of two Beothuk, Nonosabasut and Demasduit, an update on Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Provincial Government’s Cultural Action Plan.
Plans were in place to convene a face-to-face meeting of Indigenous leaders in November 2020. However, the Roundtable was postponed due to concerns associated with in-person meetings during a pandemic.
The third Premier-Indigenous Leaders Roundtable was held in 2021. Topics of discussion included: Friendship Centres’ mandates and roles; Holidays, Monuments and Observances; A report by the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; and Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism.
The fourth Premier-Indigenous Leaders Roundtable was held in 2022. Discussion topics included: mental health and addictions programs, services and action plans; ongoing work on the development of a Social and Economic Well-being Plan; and statements from Indigenous leaders.
News Releases:
2022: Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable Provides Forum for Presentations and Discussion
2018: Indigenous Leaders Roundtable Provides Forum for Discussion on Matters of Common Interest
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