Real change for Aboriginal Canada can’t emanate from Ottawa, says Macdonald-Laurier Institute Senior Fellow Ken Coates.

It has to come from Aboriginal communities.

Coates spoke to Global TV in Saskatoon about the impact the newly-elected Liberal government will have on Aboriginal communities.

He believes change can only happen if the new government shifts the axis of Aboriginal decision-making.

“If all ideas emanate out of the Aboriginal Affairs office in Ottawa and if the prime minister and his cabinet are making the decision, no real change has happened”, said Coates.

“It’s not about money; it’s not even about consultation … the real ultimate issue is about shifting decision making and resource allocation from the government of Canada to aboriginal governments”.