TORONTO – Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald and members of the Political Confederacy of the Chiefs of Ontario met with Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Indigenous Affairs Ontario, Greg Rickford today to discuss a number of key priorities and issues affecting First Nations in Ontario. This meeting provided a much-needed opportunity for open dialogue between the provincial government and First Nations in Ontario.
“The Political Confederacy Leadership Council Members and I are very pleased with the outcome of today’s meeting and it is a signal that the province is willing to move forward and create a new relationship with the current elected provincial government and First Nations in Ontario. Enhancing and strengthening our relationship will allow us to move forward together and make impactful change for First Nations and all of Ontario. After all, we have a shared goal of prosperous, healthy and vibrant communities,” said Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald. “With new beginnings both here in the Chiefs of Ontario and the newly elected Premier and Ontario Cabinet, we have a real opportunity to embrace change at this moment and build a strong and respectful relationship. I look forward to continuing to formally meet with Premier Ford, Minister Rickford, Cabinet Ministers, and Chiefs to collaboratively ensure that the opportunities to create a prosperous quality of life for First Nations are a priority.”
“In the on-going effort to rebuild and repair the nation-to-nation relationship with the provincial government, I am happy to hear that Ontario’s Premier, Doug Ford, and Minister Rickford spoke of their commitment to respecting the charter, treaty and inherent rights of First Nations in Ontario. We look forward to continuing the development of this relationship and working with the provincial government to advance our communities, as equals,” commented Grand Council Chief Glen Hare of Anishinabek Nation.
“Recognizing our inherent rights is critical for First Nations in Ontario and we expect to continue to build this new relationship with the provincial government based on the recognition of our society and honouring the constitutional obligations made in order to share this land,” states Chief Lorraine Cobiness of Niisaacheewan Anishinaabe Nation (Grand Council Treaty #3).
“By investing in First Nations youth, we will build a stronger Ontario,” said Lance Copgeog, representative of the Ontario First Nations Young People’s Council. “We look forward to working with Premier Ford to unlock the potential of our communities,” says Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald.
