b'NARCThe Northern AssemblyThe inaugural of Remote Communities: meetingNORTHERN REMOTE COMMUNITIES continuously face challenges that are unique to their respective regions, including but not limited to: travel in and out of their community, which is dependent on weather patterns; seasonal shifts and climate change; access to health care; and the extremely high cost of living. Remote communities continue to struggle with astronomical living costs, and pressure to alleviate the undue stress is a primary goal for First Nations.FSIN Vice Chief David Pratt (left) and NAN Deputy Grand Chief Bobby In order to rectify and bring moreNarcisse co-hosted the inaugural NARC meeting.awareness to their unique challenges, First Nations leaders from across Canada have banded together toHealth and Social Development, and The Science of Measuring create the Northern Assembly ofthe Nishnawbe Aski Nations (NAN)Remoteness: We cannot manage Remote Communities (NARC). ThisDeputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse. what we do not measurecoalition was formed in 2021 through the Global Resolution NegotiationsThis first meeting brought together Community Vulnerabilities in respect of the settlement ofKnowledge Keepers, First NationsRespecting Settlement Payouts: outstanding claims against theleadership and members from manyA study and discussion of best Canadian government in the contextremote First Nations communitiespractices and safeguardsof child welfare.in order for them to tell their stories and lived experiences. MembersWith this being the inaugural Leadership from remote communitiesjoined from Fond du Lac Denesulineassembly, FSIN Vice Chief Pratt and has come together with a united voiceFirst Nation, Black Lake DenesulineNAN Deputy Grand Chief Narcisse to discuss this lived reality facingNation, Hatchet Lake and Island Lake their people, create a unified voiceAnishininew Nation, as well as otherensured that the topics of discussion of the challenges they face and worknations from Ontario.would expand with a need to continue on solutions in a more unique andyearly meetings for northern and collaborative way.This assembly will address theremote communities. serious funding issues our northern The mandate of NARC is to ensure aand remote Nations face daily andCanada has failed our youth and strong and united stance is heard ataddress those areas where investmentsfamilies for decades, but I am both national and provincial levels.are critically needed, said FSIN Viceencouraged that we now have a healing NARCs advocacy will include voicesChief David Pratt. Our First Nationspath forward, said NAN Deputy from multiple sectors concerningchildren are our future, and we need toGrand Chief Narcisse. The launch remote communities, includingcreate a better path forward for them.of the National Assembly of Remote child welfare, health, education andThis is the first step in that process. Communities is an important step on community safety. our journey of long-term reform that During the three-day symposium,will be First Nations-led, as Treaty and In June of 2022, an inaugural meetingmembers discussed and listened toIndigenous rights holders, and based of NARC was held on Treaty 6presentations on:territory in Saskatoon, Sask. It was co- on our inherent authority to care for hosted by the Federation of Sovereign The Journeys of Remoteour children. I look forward to taking Indigenous Nations (FSIN) ViceCommunities: Their realities andthis historic step with our brothers and Chief David Pratt, portfolio holder forlived experiences sisters from many Nations.48OUR PRIORITY Issue 12021/22'