Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo said that after meeting with new Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Bernard Valcourt, he believes there is a “shared sense of urgency” on First Nations issues.

Atleo told CTV’s Question Period that he met Valcourt for the first time this weekend and that he believes the minister is prepared to push for real change on the issue of land negotiations between First Nations and the government.

“That’s what I needed to hear, so that we could follow through on the commitments that were made on Jan. 11,” he said.

After weeks of Idle No More protests and a 44-day fast by Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed to a meeting with First Nations Chiefs and Atleo in January.

During the Jan. 11 meeting, the group agreed to address a number of First Nations issues including treaty negotiations and improving education and economic opportunities on First Nations reserves.

“We have the ear of the prime minister, absolutely. We have a new minister as well,” Atleo said. “I pressed hard on the urgency of moving now.”

Atleo said that while no future meeting dates have been scheduled between himself and the minister, there is a “shared sense that we can’t let things get stuck down in the bureaucracy.”

Despite criticism that his meeting with Harper in January produced no substantial movement on First Nations issues, he stressed that the relationship between First Nations and the government has a long history.

“It’s not just a seven-week conversation. It’s a 250-year conversation,” he said, adding that since the Royal Proclamation was issued 250 years ago, aboriginals have experienced a number of injustices including years of residential schooling, dispossession of land and high levels of poverty.

He added that while there are success stories, such as an 80 per cent graduation rate among First Nations in Atlantic Canada, “not all are being able to participate in the progress enjoyed by a few.”

Atleo said that greater economic conditions for First Nations can be achieved, but only if First Nations are fully engaged and involved in the process. And given recent developments, this process may be beginning, he said.

“The words have been spoken to me, even in the recent days and weeks, have suggested a difference about being ready to work with First Nations.”