Mr. Patrick Boucher is Director, Policy and Advocacy, Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Metis and non-Status Indians, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Date: Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Time: 5.00 p.m.
Venue: CEU, TIGY Room (Courtyard, Nador u. 11.)
The event will be followed by a reception generously supported by the Canadian Embassy, Budapest
Aboriginal peoples were the first inhabitants of Canada, living in Canada for thousands of years before European settlers began arriving 400 years ago. Government policy towards the Aboriginal community changed dramatically in the latter part of the 20th century. Canada's 1982 Constitution recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples - Indians, Inuit, and Métis - with differing relationships to Government. Today, the aboriginal population of Canada is young, growing, and urbanizing. Patrick Boucher will speak about the Government's approach to indigenous issues, with a particular focus on education and economic development. Policy towards the Métis and urban-living Indian populations is of interest to all those concerned with Roma-directed initiatives in Hungary and the broader region.
The Policy and Advocacy Directorate seeks to improve outcomes in priority areas such as education, economic development, urban transitions, and representative capacity of Métis and non-Status Indians and organizations. The Aboriginal Policy Research Network (APRN) is a new addition to the Policy and Advocacy Directorate since 2007. The APRN has a mandate to inform debate on public policy issues that affect Métis, non-Status Indians and urban Aboriginal people through the production and dissemination of timely policy research.
Patrick Boucher has received the Public Service Award of Excellence. He was also recognized for his service to Canada by receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal which was awarded to Canadians who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities or to Canada as a whole.
For more information or inquiries, please contact stewartmat//ceu.hu