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For Immediate Release
October 8, 2008

News Release

Ontario And Treaty 3 First Nations Strengthen Relationships

Signing Letter of Intent Reaffirms Ontario's Commitment to Cooperation

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Brad Duguid, student Rochelle Kelly and Grand Council Treaty 3 Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly at Onigaming First Nation

NEWS
Today, just days after the 135th anniversary of signing Treaty 3, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid and Grand Council Treaty 3 Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly signed a letter of intent to build a new relationship between the Ontario government and First Nation communities in Treaty 3 territory.

The Ontario government and Grand Council Treaty 3 have committed to work together to address the socio-economic issues affecting Treaty 3 communities in northwestern Ontario.

This letter of intent will include a one time capacity investment of $100,000. These funds will enable Grand Council Treaty 3 to support face–to-face meetings and relationship building opportunities with the Ontario government.

QUOTES
"The Ontario government is committed to working with Grand Council Treaty 3 to strengthen our relationship based on mutual respect and trust," said Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "Working with our partners at the community level, we can better engage First Nation leadership and members to work with the Ontario government to address community needs."

"The Grand Council Treaty 3 has always been focussed on forwarding Anishinaabe rights and our Nation's development," said Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly. "This letter of intent signals an emerging partnership in meeting those important goals and I am optimistic that Minister Duguid will be a strong ally for the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 3."

QUICK FACTS

Grand Council Treaty 3 is the traditional government of the Anishinaabe Nation located in the 55,000 square mile territory of Treaty #3. The Grand Council includes 28 First Nations, 2 of which are located in Manitoba.
October 3, 2008 marks the 135th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 3.
The Grand Council Treaty 3 Fall Assembly took place in Onigaming First Nation which is located about 113 kilometres southwest of Kenora, ON.

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

Learn more about Grand Council Treaty 3.

Scott Cavan, Minister's Office, 416-314-7395
Kevin Dove, Communications Branch, 416-326-6306