Ottawa, native leaders commit to sweeping overhaul of reserve life

From a Globe and Mail article:

The Conservative government and first nation leaders, in a historic shift from confrontation to co-operation, have agreed to launch a joint effort to transform the schools, economies and quality of life on reserves across Canada.

If the new Canada First Nation Joint Action Plan between the Canadian government and the Assembly of First Nations succeeds, "our people will be able to feel, taste, and experience the change in a significant manner more quickly than we've experienced in the past," AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo said.

"The alternative, the status quo, is brutal."

Ottawa and first nations leaders, who historically have been antagonists more often than partners, will create panels with three major mandates: to put sound education programs in place in native schools, to eliminate obstacles to creating jobs for on-reserve Indians, and to improve the governance of reserves.