Province of Manitoba » Aboriginal and Northern Affairs » About Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs » Department Organizational
Department Organization |
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Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs has three divisions-the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat, Local Government Development and Financial and Administrative Services.
The Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat's four branches - Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Agreements Management, Aboriginal Consultation Unit and Support Services are focused on the following areas in an effort to improve quality of life for Aboriginal Manitobans:
- influencing development and delivery of policies, programs and services that result in safe, healthy and secure environments
- concluding agreements related to adverse effects of hydro development, treaty land entitlement and other land related matters
- fulfilling continuing obligations resulting from agreements
- participating in and facilitating constitutionally obligated provincial government consultations with First Nations and Aboriginal communities
- increasing community confidence, knowledge and leadership skills
- developing meaningful partnerships between Aboriginal and northern people and all levels of government
- building a workforce representative of Aboriginal and northern people
- promoting more sustainable entrepreneurial and community economic environment
We want to contribute to a relationship of mutual understanding, trust and respect between the provincial government and Aboriginal Manitobans.
The Secretariat influences policy and development of initiatives to create change in government and communities. It supports development in Aboriginal communities by finding or providing financial and technical resources.
The Secretariat assists First Nations communities with self-government agreements and helps negotiate hydroelectric development plans, treaty land entitlements and other land related issues.
The Secretariat ensures that consultations are conducted in a meaningful way with First Nations and Aboriginal communities about government decisions that might affect the exercise of Treaty or Aboriginal rights.
The Local Government Development Division helps provide municipal requirements of 50 northern and remote communities.
It helps develop responsible, elected local governments and promotes local planning, sound fiscal management, local service delivery and public accountability.
It contributes to improved quality of life by helping to ensure public safety and providing opportunities for recreation and active living.
It also promotes co-operative, community-driven, sustainable development.
The Local Government Development Division provides this support to communities in a number of program areas that include:
- municipal administration
- public works
- recreation and wellness
- environmental services
- protective services
- community development
- land-use planning
- community planning
- community economic development and housing
- infrastructure development
This division provides administration and finance support to Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. Central accounting, fiscal management and control, financial analysis and reporting, and policy development and review are included.
It also coordinates responses to requests under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The Northern Affairs Fund administers support for community operations and provision of municipal services. This includes administration of cottage subdivisions and the Municipal Employees Benefits Plan. The Taxation Fund levies and collects property and school taxes within Northern Affairs jurisdiction.
Manitoba provides human resource management support to Northern Affairs communities through this division, as well.
