Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

The congress works with its affiliate organizations on issues that affect the Aboriginal peoples of Canada who live off-reserve.

Affiliates of the congress have their own constitutions with some being separately funded through the Métis and Non-Status Indian Relations Directorate of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.

On April 14, 2016 a landmark ruling by the Federal Court of Canada affirmed the position of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples that Métis and Non-status are Indians with rights under the Constitution.

[5][6] The Federal Court Action was launched in 1999 by Harry Daniels, Leah Gardner, and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

The congress' Annual General Assembly is attended by delegates from each provincial affiliate organizations to discuss policy, priorities, and issues facing Aboriginal peoples who live off-reserve.