2-2919

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (August 8, 2007) - Canada's New Government today announced the appointment of seven board members to the First Nations Statistical Institute (FNSI) (external link, opens a new window).

The First Nations Statistical Institute will assist First Nations in meeting their information needs while working with Statistics Canada to better represent First Nations in the national statistical system. It will fulfill this mandate by providing First Nations with the statistics necessary to assist in community planning, and work with First Nations and government to improve the accuracy, utility and relevance of data.

"The First Nations Statistical Institute will benefit First Nations by providing them the necessary fiscal, economic and social statistical information and analysis needed to plan for their communities and attract investment and economic development," said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians. "I am confident that these new board members possess the necessary background and qualifications to support the Institute's capacity to address the gap in First Nations statistics."

These appointments follow the May 3, 2007 appointment of Dr. Mark S. Dockstator as Chairperson of FNSI. The names of the appointees are:

Dr. R.K. (Joe) Miskokomon
Ralph Joyce
Christine M. Hoyt
Nancy Averill
Judy A. White
Manon Jeannotte
Charlotte Mearns

"The appointment of the FNSI Board of Directors is an important milestone in the creation of the First Nations Statistical Institute" said Dr. Mark Dockstator, Chairperson of the FNSI. "First Nations will soon have a centre of statistical information dedicated specifically to First Nations issues. I look forward to working with the Board to guide the Institute in providing information that will assist community leaders and technicians in improving the socio-economic conditions for First Nations."

The First Nations Statistical Institute is one of the four institutions created through the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act, which came into force on April 1, 2006. The Act, a First Nation-led initiative, established an institutional framework to provide First Nation governments with the practical tools available to other levels of government for modern fiscal and statistical management. The institutions will enable First Nations that choose to use their services to participate more actively in the Canadian economy.


For more information, please contact:

Minister's Office
Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002

Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160

First Nations Statistical Institute
Andrew Bisson
(613) 884-9382