Moving Forward Together: Stronger Aboriginal Relationships

The province invests about $600 million annually on programs and services for Aboriginal people through ministries across the Ontario government. This includes investments in children and social services, justice and policing initiatives, and education and training programs.

In 2007, Ontario created the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to develop, coordinate and manage constructive relationships with Aboriginal people and organizations, both on and off reserves. We also support Ontario’s relationships with the federal government and other provincial and territorial governments on Aboriginal matters. Some of our activities include maintaining existing relationship tables, exploring opportunities to create new relationship tables and developing new ways to respond to disputes. What follows are some examples of progress on the relationship front since June 2007.

Ipperwash Inquiry Priorities And Action Committee

Since its establishment in spring 2008, the Ipperwash Inquiry Priorities and Action Committee (IIPAC) has worked to prioritize the recommendations from the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry in a way that will best meet the needs of First Nations people and communities in Ontario. The committee, co-chaired by Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Brad Duguid, established six working groups on key priorities. Recent government initiatives have stemmed from these priorities, such as the launch of the New Relationship Fund, which helps build capacity in Aboriginal communities. IIPAC is made up of First Nations leadership from across the province and representatives from the provincial and federal governments. The federal government participates at the table as an observer.

Framework Agreement with Métis Nation of Ontario

Talks between the Ontario government and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) resulted in the signing of an agreement recognizing the unique history and ways of life of Métis communities in Ontario. This agreement, signed in November 2008, has set the course for a new, collaborative relationship between the Ontario government and the MNO. Working together, this agreement is intended to improve the well-being of Métis children, families and communities while protecting and promoting the distinct culture, identity and heritage of Métis people. The agreement also encourages economic partnership opportunities that recognize and respect Métis traditions.

Anishinabek Nation Bilateral Roundtable

During the Anishinabek Nation Special Chiefs Assembly in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation in November 2008, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid and Anishinabek Grand Council Chief John Beaucage announced a Bilateral Roundtable Agreement between the Ontario government and 42 First Nations communities in Ontario. Through roundtable discussions based on mutual recognition, respect, cooperation and responsibility, the Anishinabek table will strengthen relationships and result in practical changes to improve living conditions in First Nations communities.

The Northern Table/Oski-Machiitawin
(New Beginning)

Ontario is continuing discussions with Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities on a number of important issues through the Northern Table process. This includes land use planning, parks and protected areas and the development of a notification protocol for licences and permits issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Letter of Intent with Treaty 3 Communities

In the fall of 2008, a letter of intent to build a new relationship between the Ontario government and First Nations communities in Treaty 3 territory was signed by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid and Grand Council Treaty 3 Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly. The letter outlines a commitment to work together to address the socioeconomic issues affecting Treaty 3 communities in northwestern Ontario. A one-time investment of $100,000 was provided to support face-to-face meetings and relationship building opportunities with the Ontario government.

Reading of Ojibway Prayer

On June 16, 2008, a traditional Ojibway prayer was included in the opening ceremonies of the Ontario legislature. It was the first time an Aboriginal prayer had been read in addition to the Lord’s Prayer. The reading of this prayer was the first of a series of prayers from a variety of faiths that will be read in the legislature on a rotational basis in addition to the Lord’s Prayer.