Budget Day! Budget Day! How some Aboriginal-related programs fared

Well, it wasn’t what most people wanted to hear, but it sure was what many expected.

The 2010 Federal Budget was released to much fanfare in Ottawa today, and by the looks of things, it’s time to lace up those moccasins reeeeeal tight (or belt, it’s your fancy).

Here’s a quick breakdown of how some federal programs fared (those that directly impact Aboriginal people) in today’s budget:

• $30 million for aboriginal education from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
• $285 million over two years for Aboriginal health programs like the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative and the Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative
• $200 million for residential school survivors (because the need was higher than anticipated, apparently)
• $10 million to address violence against women with Justice Minister Rob Nicholson expected to announce details in the near future
• $53 million toward Aboriginal child and family services
• $179 million over two years to improve First Nations water and wastewater systems
• $105 million toward improving health systems and access to healthy food in the North

Now, obviously, this did not meet the expectations of some, but it wasn’t exactly a dramatic dropping of the axe.

However, there’s still some nervousness for Sisters in Spirit, who were hoping to hear that they would be getting some $5 million for the next five years.  The budget did make mention of $10 million over two years for “action to address violence against Aboriginal women,”  but didn’t specify exactly what that means…

There was also no mention of the $500 million that National Chief Shawn Atleo wanted to flow to First Nations for post-secondary education.

A veeeeery interesting day on The Hill, but expect tons of reaction in the coming days.

UPDATE: The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) has issued a press release outlining their hopes for the $10 million on offer from the Feds.  Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) have also responded to the Budget, or rather its lack of new money for housing.  More to follow, I’m sure…

[image via spine @ Flickr]