(Toronto – October 22, 2019) Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald congratulates Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on his re-election and forming a minority government. In 2015, the Liberal government made significant strides in developing a relationship with Indigenous peoples across Canada. We now call upon this government, again, and all parties to work in full partnership with the Chiefs in Ontario on addressing First Nations socio-economic priorities outlined in the document, Towards a New Relationship.
“With the re-elected Liberal minority government, they must commit to implementing our priorities through a collaborative approach with any party that advances and reflects our ideals and is built on mutual respect and the recognition of our inherent and treaty rights. This renewed relationship must include First Nations at the decision-making table where we can take the lead in creating and implementing ‘community-centred approaches’ to address our priorities.
I also send my congratulations to the Indigenous candidates that ran in the 2019 Federal Election, of which ten (10) were elected. As well, I acknowledge the 97 women who were elected. Women and First Nations’ priorities are important for the entire country. Witnessing 62 Indigenous candidates run in this election sends the clear message that we are here and ready to collectively mobilize and unify to advance change.
I look forward to continuing our work with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal minority government as well as other parties to implement the priorities of First Nations in Ontario.”
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald
Full link to priorities document here.
-30-
The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and a secretariat for collective decision making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario, Canada. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @ChiefsOfOntario.
Chiefs of Ontario – Media Contact:
Genna Benson
Communications Officer
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org
Background:
The Chiefs of Ontario priorities are laid out in “Towards a New Relationship” position paper. This document is the result of discussions on First Nations Priorities at the Federal Election Leadership and Technician Think Tank session held on September 17, 2019. It was through these discussions and that the Chiefs in Ontario collectively developed a top ten First Nations priority list during the Think Tank and the Political Strategy sessions.
First Nation’s Election Priorities
- A New Relationship
- Treaty Implementation
- Lands and Resources
- Climate Change
- Internal Capacity and Governance
- Housing and Infrastructure
- First Nations Economies
- Health and Well-Being
- Uplifting First Nations Women
- Protecting Water
During this election, it was not so much about the parties specifically or the platforms provided, instead, our main focus was to collaborate with the entire region to develop this document. This document outlines the discussion that First Nation’s leadership within Ontario, what the priorities are today and what the priorities are moving forward as treaty rights holders.
In this era of reclaiming Indigenous sovereignty, and collaboration on a government to government and nation to nation level, it is essential to take these First Nations priorities into consideration when planning on any government initiatives that involve Ontario First Nations. First Nations led processes ensure that we are meeting the interests and considerations of all and will benefit all of Canada.
