The Chiefs of Ontario and the Government of Ontario have signed an historic Political Accord that will guide the relationship between First Nations and the province.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne signed the accord for the province, while Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day signed on behalf of the Political Confederacy and Chiefs-in-Assembly. The accord creates a formal bilateral relationship framed by the recognition of the treaty relationship.
The accord:
-Affirms that First Nations have an inherent right to self-government and that the relationship between Ontario and the First Nations must be based upon respect for this right.
-Commits the parties to work together on issues of mutual interest, including resource benefits sharing, the treaty relationship and jurisdictional matters.
-Sets a path for further reconciliation between First Nations and the people of Ontario.
-Commits the premier and First Nations' leadership to meet twice yearly in order to further advance their efforts on shared priorities.
"The signing of this accord represents a renewal of the relationship between the First Nations and Ontario and is an important step in the ongoing revitalization of First Nations communities,” Wynne said in a news release. “Most of all, it is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of peoples across the province, and to start to build a better future for our children and grandchildren."
“This political path forward for First Nations in Ontario is the most important collective milestone in modern times,” Day said in the release. “With this accord, First Nations and Ontario have committed to strengthening a new relationship. I look forward to working with Ontario in developing a comprehensive strategy and framework that will fully utilize this accord to advance our jurisdiction and treaty rights on our terms."
The Chiefs of Ontario advocate on behalf of the 133 First Nations communities in Ontario.
