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FIRST NATIONS, CANADA AND ONTARIO RENEW RELATIONSHIP - CHIEFS OF ONTARIO, FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL MINISTERS ENGAGE IN INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUM

Ottawa, Ontario (June 10, 2005) - Following swiftly behind the historic Policy Retreat of May 31, 2005, representatives from Canada and Ontario met with First Nation leaders today, to confirm their commitment to renewed and strengthened relations between governments.

Present at the meeting were Charles Fox, Ontario Regional Chief of the Chiefs of Ontario, Grand Chiefs of the Ontario Political Confederacy, Senator Jack Austin on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Michael J. Bryant, Ontario Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, and the Honourable David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources.

According to Chief Fox, "The revitalized intergovernmental forum will be a vehicle for First Nations, Canada and Ontario to dialogue and achieve resolution on the overarching jurisdictional issues that have been an impediment to progress and the achievements of results at existing regional forums."

Speaking on behalf of Minister Scott, Senator Jack Austin expressed his pleasure at hosting the meeting. He said, “Canada is committed to renewing its relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in a manner that respects Aboriginal and treaty rights and the unique place of Aboriginal peoples in the Canadian federation. Today marks another important step in this process and will pave the way for collaborative approaches to positive outcomes for First Nations people in Ontario.”

Minister Bryant said, "Today's discussions reflect the goals and principles of Ontario's New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs. Ontario's approach focuses on building a new relationship with Aboriginal peoples, a relationship based on co-operation and mutual respect. This forum promotes effective government-to-government relations among First Nations, Canada and Ontario. By working together on areas such as lands and resources, we can ensure that our shared goal of improved opportunities and a better future for Aboriginal children and youth is fulfilled."

Today’s meeting was significant; all the parties confirmed their commitment to revitalizing intergovernmental relations in the Province of Ontario. The Grand Chiefs and Ministers mandated their senior officials to engage in discussions on emerging policy issues respecting First Nations’ governance, jurisdiction, rights, and specific First Nations’ initiatives.

"I am pleased to support this effort by Ontario, Canada and First Nations to revitalize our relationship," said Minister Ramsay. "Through co-operation and mutual respect, we're rebuilding an intergovernmental process that will serve our mutual interest in moving forward on these important matters."

Following is a list of the Chiefs of Ontario Political Confederacy:

Grand Chief Denise Stonefish, Association of Iroquois & Allied Indians (AIAI)

Grand Chief Stan Beardy, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)

Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, Union of Ontario Indians (UOI)

Grand Chief Arnold Gardner, Grand Council Treaty #3 (GCT#3)

Grand Chief Angela Barnes, Mohawks of Akwesasne

Grand Chief Stan Louttit, Mushkegowuk Council

Chief Dr. Dean Jacobs, Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island)

Chief David General, Six Nations of the Grand River

This release is also available at:
www.chiefs-of-ontario.org and www.nativeaffairs.jus.gov.on.ca

For further information, please contact:

Greg Crone
Minister Bryant’s Office
Ontario Minister Responsible for Native
Affairs
(416) 326-2220

Kimberly Whetung
Senior Policy Advisor
The Chiefs of Ontario Office
(705) 875-5576

Lars Eedy
Communications Branch
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
(416) 326-4759

Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary, Minister Andy Scott’s Office
Indian and Norther Affairs Canada
(819) 997-0002

Ginette Albert
Minister Ramsay's Office
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
(416) 314-2212

Natalie Pennefather
Manager, Communications Operations and Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(416) 973-1294

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