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For Immediate Release
May 20, 2009

News Release

Ontario and Treaty 3 First Nations Continue Relationship-Building

Aboriginal Affairs Minister and Grand Council Treaty 3 Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly Sign Agreement to Address Socio-Economic Challenges

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid and Grand Council Treaty 3 Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly.

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News

Today Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid and Grand Council Treaty 3 Ogichidaakwe Diane M. Kelly signed a bilateral agreement to work together to improve the quality of life for First Nation communities in Grand Council Treaty 3 territory.

The agreement, signed during the Grand Council Treaty 3 Spring Chiefs Assembly in Naicatchewenin First Nation, sets out a road map to work together to address the socio-economic issues affecting Treaty 3 communities.

This will include continued discussions on First Nation education, children and youth issues and economic sustainability.

Quotes

"The Ontario government looks forward to continued discussions with Grand Council Treaty 3. By collaborating on common issues, together we can address the unique challenges of the Anishnaabe people in northwestern Ontario and help to close the socio-economic gap between First Nation and non-First Nation communities."
- Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

"We have defined our priorities through community-based discussions which highlighted the need for a strengthened relationship and better avenues of dealing proactively with matters together. Children and youth matters, economic sustainability and education all figure strongly in our efforts to better the lives of Treaty 3 Anishinaabe and empower our communities in the future."
- Diane M. Kelly, Ogichidaakwe (Grand Chief) for Grand Council Treaty 3

Quick Facts

• The bilateral agreement stems from the Letter of Intent between Ontario and Grand Council Treaty 3 signed on October 8, 2008.
• Grand Council Treaty 3 is a historic, traditional government representing 28 First Nation communities in Treaty 3: 26 First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario and two First Nation communities in Manitoba.

Learn More

• Read more about the initiatives of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.
• Learn more about Grand Council Treaty 3.

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