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Creating a New Legacy: Building a Strong Foundation for Future Generations

On March 3, 2022, the Chiefs of Ontario hosted a political strategy session for Ontario First Nations Leadership to discuss their needs and challenges leading up to the 2022 Ontario general election. Creating a New Legacy: Building a Strong Foundation for Future Generations is the product of that session. Further, this document is a call to action to address the many legacy issues brought on by centuries of colonization and chronic underfunding. It is a call to heal past harms in the spirit of peace, friendship, and recognition of First Nations inherent and Treaty-protected rights.

The priorities outlined in this document are not new and have been articulated by First Nations through countless election cycles. The first step to addressing these oft-neglected priorities is to build a renewed relationship consistent with First Nations sovereignty and the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. First Nations priorities are Ontario’s priorities. No longer can governments quietly make decisions that affect the rights and interests of First Nations people without their permission. It is time for us – both First Nations and the Government of Ontario – to chart a new path that embraces effective self-determined solutions.

First Nations leadership are seeking a commitment from the next provincial government to act on the five following priority areas:

  1. A Renewed Relationship
  2. Sustainable Community Development and Environmental Protection
  3. Health and Emergency Preparedness
  4. Community Well-being
  5. Indian Residential School Investigations

We urge you, as leaders of Ontario’s major provincial parties, to take account of the priorities outlined in this document when delivering your message to the citizens of Ontario this election season. We ask that you commit to careful consideration, concrete action, and an all-of-government approach to create a new legacy for First Nations and all Ontarians.

Disclaimer: Creating a New Legacy: Building a Strong Foundation for Future Generations was created by the Chiefs of Ontario. The issues outlined in this document came out of collective discussions with First Nations’ leadership, namely, the Chiefs of the 133 First Nations in Ontario. Much of the included substance stems from resolutions passed by the Chiefs-in-Assembly at the annual All Ontario Chiefs Conferences or previously held Special Chiefs Assemblies. The issues identified in this document are not intended to reflect the full range of First Nation priorities. It is critical that the Ontario government work directly with First Nations leadership in Ontario to develop solutions that meet their individual and diverse needs.

Download the Report here: Creating a New Legacy - Chiefs of Ontario Election Priority Report April 2022