by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 29/97) - Though short on details, Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew says the Liberal government is in the process of developing new programs and revamping old ones in a way that will benefit aboriginal Northerners.

The federal government gave a general outline of its intentions for the coming term in its speech from the throne Wednesday.

In it, the government promises a number of things that could affect the First Nations of the North, among them the establishment of an aboriginal health institute.

Blondin-Andrew said the government will be drawing heavily on the medical expertise of aboriginal health professionals in creating the new institute.

"We need to bring those people in, consult with them, and help them to shape this institute so it will best serve and gain the acceptance of aboriginal people," said Blondin-Andrew, who is secretary of state for children and youth in the Chretien government.

She described the institute as a "purveyor and repository for research information" about aboriginal health issues.

Blondin-Andrew said the government had not yet determined what form the institute will take, where it would be established or how much it will cost.

"We've definitely made the commitment, and it's strong and it's much needed, there's no question about it," said Blondin-Andrew. "I'm sure we'll be looking at the appropriate (budget) allocation for that."

Among the other commitments to aboriginal peoples mentioned on the Throne Speech were:

• a response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples

• expansion of the Aboriginal Head Start program

• new initiatives to address the rapid increase in tuberculosis and diabetes in aboriginal communities.