Vancouver Aboriginal Council

At a ceremony with the Vancouver Aboriginal Council at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, federal officials and local Aboriginal community representatives signed a new funding agreement.


Lou Demerais,                            Minister Ralph Goodale
Vancouver Native Health                    /Vancouver MP Hedy Fry

Both parties say although the money - sixty thousand dollars is important - the real significance is the reaffirmation of a partnering process to help deal with the critical issues that plague Aboriginal people in Vancouver - especially, the downtown eastside where poverty, homelessness, addictions and other problems affect a huge number of Aboriginal community members.

Vancouver's downtown eastside is where Demerais, also the Executive Director of Vancouver Native Health hangs his hat. The reality he sees every day would be like cold water on the face of most people who only see signs of the troubles as they drive by. So to hear him applaud these latest efforts to help his people is important. He isn't easily swayed or impressed by puff, pomp and pageantry. He can't afford to be.

This is a community-based process, a key piece of the Vancouver Agreement a critical and necessary approach to tackling the hard issues, in which three levels of government are working together in a rare show of solidarity. "I believe we will make a difference in the lives of Aboriginal People", Vancouver Centre Member of Parliament Hedy Fry told the gathering in the Friendship Centre's Simon Baker room, where rays of sunshine add warmth to her words of optimism.

While most people may not be clear about his title - Federal Interlocutor - Minister Ralph Goodale's message was clear. This agreement is aimed at building "far more effective partnerships" and to illustrate team work, enhance coordination and "strengthen our work together".

In fact, it's strategic and it makes sense if we're going to rid ourselves of the fragmentation caused by government policies that had us scrambling for the same dollars and working at cross-purposes. But in the end, what's done in practice and seen to be done is what's going to prove any points made in the speeches made here.

Like the powerful carving observing the speakers ... the community will be watching.