3. Services for First
Nations People Guide
This study deals with the guide Services for First Nations People. Public opinion research
conducted on reserves had shown the need to better inform members of the First Nations
regarding Government of Canada services. Thus, in collaboration with Indian and Northern Affairs
Canada, Communication Canada produced a guide for Aboriginal peoples living on reserves.
Published in March 2003, this guide is intended to provide First Nations with information regarding
services and programs offered by the Government of Canada.
The Approach
First, various departments submitted descriptions
of their programs and services. Based on that
information, Communication Canada and Indian
and Northern Affairs Canada produced a draft
guide in both official languages. Then, to ensure
that members of the First Nations living on
reserves found the guide useful and informative,
production went through several stages. Plain
language specialists revised the text in order to
shorten, clarify and simplify the document. Next,
experts in communications with Aboriginals
reviewed the draft guide and made
recommendations. Focus groups also provided
comments on the draft. Finally, following the
revision process, Communication Canada and
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada worked in
close co-operation with the appropriate
departments to ensure that programs were
accurately described.
Concrete Examples
- Define unfamiliar words.
Before:
The Geological Survey of Canada has been
providing Canadians with a comprehensive
Geoscience knowledge base to support economic
development, public safety and environmental
protection since 1842.
After:
Geoscience, the study of the Earth, is helping
northern Aboriginal communities make the right
decisions about land use.
- Use standard word order.
Before:
There are many services and benefits provided
by Veterans Affairs Canada that you or members
of your family may be entitled to…
After:
You or your family may be entitled to certain
services and benefits.