August 24, 2015
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde congratulated the Chiefs of Ontario (COO), Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day and the government of Ontario on the signing of their Political Accord earlier today, affirming a commitment to work together within a government-to-government relationship that will frame joint priorities and actions.
“I congratulate the Chiefs of Ontario and Regional Chief Isadore Day for successfully establishing this renewed relationship,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “This is a commitment that First Nations leaders in Ontario are now part of the decision-making process, consistent with First Nations rights and Treaties. I commend Premier Wynne and her government for committing to this Accord. This shows that First Nations and governments can work together to build success for all their citizens in a way that respects and honours First Nations rights.”
The Political Accord was signed at the Ontario legislature earlier today. Negotiations on the Accord were successfully concluded on May 29, 2015. A final draft of the Accord’s content was provided to the Political Confederacy and the First Nations leadership for consideration at the All Ontario Chiefs Conference (AOCC) and was adopted by the Chiefs in Assembly during the June 2015 AOCC.
The Chiefs of Ontario will now set a joint work plan that will be guide the new process to initiate immediate action as outlined in the Political Accord. The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and secretariat for collective decision making, action and advocacy for the 133 First Nations located within the boundaries of Ontario, Canada.
The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow #AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.
For more information please contact:
Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext. 382;
613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca
