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For Immediate Release
November 12, 2008

News Release

Ontario And Anishinabek Nation Strengthen Relationships

Aboriginal Affairs Minister And Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage Launch Roundtable To Improve Quality Of Life For First Nation Communities

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Brad Duguid and and Anishinabek Grand Council Chief John Beaucage signed a bilateral roundtable agreement between the Ontario government and the 42 First Nation communities the Anishnawbek Nation represents.

NEWS
During the Anishinabek Nation Special Chiefs Assembly in Chippewas of The Thames First Nation, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid and Anishinabek Grand Council Chief John Beaucage today announced a bilateral roundtable agreement between the Ontario government and 42 First Nation communities in Ontario.

Through roundtable discussions based on mutual recognition, respect, cooperation, and responsibility, the Ontario government and the Anishinabek Nation will use the Anishinabek Table to strengthen relationships and make practical progress in improving living conditions in First Nation communities.

Some of the shared priorities of the Anishinabek Table include good governance, effective institutions and negotiations, individual and family well-being, and opportunities in economic development and sustainability.

QUOTES
"The Ontario government is committed to working with Anishinabek Nation, through mutual respect and trust, to explore the ways we can improve the quality of life for First Nation communities in Ontario," said Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

"The roundtable will establish a new formal dialogue between First Nations and the Crown," said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage. "As we work towards self-government, there will always be a need for First Nations to maintain good working relationships with Ontario. This Roundtable process will allow us to formally track and implement our joint workplans."

QUICK FACTS

The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949.
The Union of Ontario Indians is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario and is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

LEARN MORE
Read more about the initiatives of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.

Learn more about Anishinabek Nation.

Scott Cavan, Minister's Office, 416-314-7395
Michel Payen-Dumont, Communications Branch, 416-314-9455