We are pleased to announce that the Resolution to support the NNADAP / YSAP Renewal Framework was passed by the Chiefs-in-Assembly at the Assembly of First Nations, Special Chiefs Assembly, on December 15, 2010 in Gatineau, Quebec.

The resolution received unanimous support.

In the lead up to the adoption of the resolution, the Chiefs-in-Assembly further affirmed the need for resources to ensure more services for youth, address process addictions such as gambling, take a more active role in suicide prevention, and implement a full continuum of care to ensure services are available for aftercare and detoxification. The Chiefs-in-Assembly recognized that the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse program is critical in responding to emerging substance use challenges such as opiate addictions and related harms. Commitment was also reaffirmed by the Assembly of First Nations and the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation, partners to the NNADAP/YSAP Renewal process, to ensure the Yukon and the Norwest Territories are presented with an opportunity and support to provide input into the draft renewal framework via regional workshops, prior to its finalization.

There was also recognition of the significant work and important partnerships that lead to the success of the renewal process and draft framework. It was noted that there is potential to utilize the success of the renewal process to advocate for parallel comprehensive approaches to federal policy development with respect to First Nations health programs.

The Leadership Team for the renewal framework will meet in early February 2011 to begin activities to strategically plan implementation.