The National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation, The Assembly Of First Nations And The Canadian Aboriginal Aids Network Commit To Work Together In The Area Of Health And Addictions

Muskoday, February 7, 2008 – The National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation will sign memorandums understanding with the Assembly of First Nation and with the Canadian Aboriginal Aids Network during the opening program of the National Native Addictions Partnership Workforce Development Forum on Monday February 25, 2008. The Forum itself will take place from February 24 to 28, 2008 at the Marriott Hotel in Ottawa.

Chief Bear, CEO and President of the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation and Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse, representing the Assembly of First Nation will, by placing their signature on the document, endorse the purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding, which is to formalize organizational interests in potential areas of mutual collaboration between the AFN and the NNAPF towards supporting First Nations and their communities in establishing and operating programs aimed at arresting and off-setting the addictions to and misuse of alcohol, drug, and solvents among populations living on-reserve.

The MOU will encourage collaboration between the Parties through the sharing of information, discussing and developing First Nations specific addictions and substance abuse health policy and other related initiatives and/or activities that may arise from time to time.

The National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation is also joining forces with the Canadian Aboriginal Aids Network, and will formalise the collaboration they have nurtured over the years and the recognition of their common shared values: respect, cultural diversity, honesty, compassion, trust, family strength, humility, and using holistic approaches to HIV/AIDS reduction by signing a memorandum of understanding at the Forum.

CAAN and NNAPF enter into this Memorandum of Understanding, as a step towards the development of a protocol arrangement to guide the parties in an effective working and partnership relationship in relation to HIV/ AIDS and Harm Reduction among Aboriginal Peoples.

Chief Bear, CEO and President of the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation and Kevin Barlow, CAAN’s Executive Director, representing CAAN’s President, will officialize the signatures during the Forum’s opening Program Monday morning, February 25, 2008.