Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine says the premiers can help convince Ottawa to invest in a better quality of life for his people.
Fontaine says following last month's residential schools apology in Parliament, he hopes to have the support of the premiers as he attempts to unblock some of the federal dollars earmarked as part of the $5 billion Kelowna Accord.
The accord was drafted in 2005 by the former Liberal government, but the Harper government decided not to implement the agreement when it took power in January 2006.
Fontaine made his comments Monday in Quebec City, where the AFN begins its annual meeting on Tuesday.
AFN leaders are slated to meet with the premiers on Wednesday, when they assemble in Quebec's provincial capital for the Council of the Federation meeting.
Fontaine says he hopes to ensure the premiers continue to support initiatives to help bridge the socio-economic gap that divides aboriginal communities and the rest of the country.
The AFN chief says education and improved job training are among the topics he hopes to discuss with the premiers.
"What we want to see from the
Fontaine said a change in power in Ottawa stalled the Kelowna Accord, which had received the support all provinces and territories.
The deal was negotiated by then prime minister Paul Martin, calling for $5 billion in spending over 10 years on programs aimed at raising aboriginal quality of life.
The plan was wide-ranging, focusing on health care, economic problems, community security, housing, infrastructure, education and social services.
A private member's bill put forward by Martin received royal assent in June but there hasn't been any change on the Conservative government's part.
Private member's bills cannot compel the government to spend money, and the Conservatives say they're charting their own course on native issues.
Fontaine said the premiers can make a difference in helping to pressure the government.
Quebec Premier Jean Charest has already said the Conservatives must honour the Kelowna Accord for First Nations.
Charest is to address the AFN members on Tuesday.