CNPR Logo Centre for Native Policy and Research

About

The Centre for Native Policy and Research was incorporated in British Columbia as a Society on November 2, 2004. The Centre was conceived in September 2003 by Cheryl Matthew and other young Aboriginal leaders in the Lower Mainland. The Centre has since partnered with the GVUAS through the GVUAS Research and Policy Working Group. Vancouver Native Health Society provided temporary office space and will oversee the administrations of funding for start-up. The Centre has also partnered with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives BC Office (CCPA-BC) to assist with the development of the Centre as underwent a similar start up process 8 years ago.
 
The Centre has gone through a lengthy process of community consultations to ensure that the services provided were needed and there was support from the Aboriginal community. The Centre held three Community Consultations that were open to the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community in January, February, and April of 2004. The consultations resulted in the development of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee who has overseen the development of the organization and the selection of the Board of Directors.

What is the Centre for Native Policy and Research (CNPR)?

The Centre is a non-partisan, social justice, progressive Aboriginal think tank focused on the social, economic, and environmental policy and research concerns of Aboriginal people in British Columbia and Canada. Although over fifty percent of all Aboriginal people now live in urban areas, there is a lack of research and policy analysis on issues important to the growing urban Aboriginal population. The Centre tackles this gap by providing collaborative solutions between existing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups, bringing people together beyond politics to promote progressive research, policy alternatives, and hope.

The Centre’s Mission Statement

The Centre for Native Policy and Research is a catalyst for change through the development and promotion of credible social, economic, and environmental policy and research. The Centre is rooted in the Aboriginal community, and committed to Aboriginal self-determination and social justice.
 

WHAT IS POLICY?

Policy implies choice, decision-making
within a range of feasible alternatives.
Social policy refers to choice or decision-making,
with respect to some group, community, or
collective.
Lightman
 
A definite course of action selected from
alternatives…to guide and determine present and
future directions.
Webster’s
 
Why did the Centre begin?

For many First Nations, policy is something that happens to you. Public and private sectors create policies that impact both urban and rural aboriginal people with insufficient consultation with those that it affects. Much of the current policy debate is centered on necessary political issues, which results in a gap in socio-economic and environmental research and policy.

What does the Centre do?

  • Publish policy alternatives. Provide alternatives to policy.
  • Publish policy analysis. Publish policy briefs, and a quarterly newsletter.
  • Set the research agenda. The Aboriginal community will set the progressive research agenda and not be reactive to regressive policy and legislation.
  • Produce research. The Centre will undertake research projects and contribute to the body of research on Aboriginal issues in British Columbia and Canada.
  • Produce and analyze statistics. Provide analysis and information on research and statistics in an Aboriginal perspective.
  • Promote capacity building and education. Act as a focal point to promote and address education on Aboriginal issues in BC and Canada.
  • Act as an information network. To be a clearinghouse of information to assist in developing policy including: providing tools and materials, best practices, sample policies, and links through an online Information Network.
  • Engage media and communications. The Centre will provide regular media commentary and produce newspaper opinion pieces that address Aboriginal policy issues and concerns, and will serve as a counter-point to media commentators arguing against Aboriginal rights and interests.
How can the Centre benefit you?
  • Present solutions. Provide an Aboriginal centered publication on social, economic, and environmental policy and research to address our problems and issues.
  • Build partnerships. Act as a bridge between different Aboriginal, public, private, non-profit sector organizations. Be a focal point for Aboriginal input and direction on policy issues.
  • Promote dialogue. Provide more effective dialogue between groups and organizations Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal, and all levels of government. This will result in a greater appreciation for the respective interests and processes of each group.
  • Representation and validity. Ensure that policy and research is written by and in consultation with the Aboriginal community.
  • Increase participation. Creates the necessary forum for Aboriginal organizations and people to set the research agenda on the issues that are most pertinent to our communities.

Why did the Centre begin?

For many First Nations, policy is something that happens to you. Public and private sectors create policies that impact both urban and rural aboriginal people with insufficient consultation with those that it affects. Much of the current policy debate is centered on necessary political issues, which results in a gap in socio-economic and environmental research and policy.

For more information, contact…

Centre for Native Policy and Research
Suite 808- 100 Park Royal South
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2
Phone: (604) 913-2193
Fax: (604) 913-2196
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