About OCAP
Background
The Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People (OCAP) is an incorporated, not–for- profit, membership based coalition formed to advocate for the rights and interests of Métis, Non-Status, Inuit and Off-Reserve status people living in urban, rural and remote areas throughout Ontario.
OCAP is designed to be a flexible,”bottom-up,” community-based coalition that supports projects and priorities identified by local community members. The OCAP approach embodies innovation in government, given that community members participate in the decision making process along side government members. The goal of OCAP is to implement programs and services that address the ever-increasing needs of its members. OCAP has implemented a governance structure that is geographically equal across the province of Ontario. The current Board of Governors consists of a President, Chairperson, Vice-Chief, Elder, Métis Senator, Special Advisor, Youth Advisor, and Community Representation.
OCAP was structured to help communities build on their successes and focus on broadening and strengthening partnerships across the province, as well as increasing the participation of members in each area.
Community-based local solutions reflect local realities and needs and can form the basis of an appropriate and effective response. Building capacity within community based organizations at the local level, and developing partnerships within each community is among the objectives of OCAP.
OCAP officially became the recognized Ontario affiliate of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples in November, 2007, when delegates of the Congress’ Annual General Assembly unanimously ratified OCAP’s application for recognition as the Ontario affiliate of the Congress.
Collaboration continues to be the driving force behind OCAP, with 23 affiliate community organizations throughout Ontario. With partnerships being solidified and a strategic plan being developed that will provide long-term solutions to address the needs of Aboriginal people across Ontario.
