THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler released the following statement after a roundtable meeting between First Nation leaders and the Right Hon. Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada in Thunder Bay today:
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Trudeau to discuss how the Government of Canada can work more effectively with Nishnawbe Aski Nation to meet the needs of our First Nations, including immediate action on our declaration of a health and public health emergency and the suicide crisis across NAN territory. I have invited the Prime Minister to visit Pikangikum First Nation to stand in solidarity with our Nation and show his support for the community as they struggle to recover from the tragic house fire that claimed nine lives week. I believe his presence in Pikangikum would be of great comfort to the community and would serve a powerful gesture of the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation. I am confident this government recognizes our shared priorities and common future.”
First Nation leaders participating in today’s meeting were: Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini; Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee (chair of the Chiefs of Ontario Chief’s Committee on Health); Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, representing 49 First Nations in northern Ontario; and Ogichidaa Warren White, Grand Chief, Grand Council Treaty #3 representing 28 First Nations in Ontario and Manitoba.
