Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Work Together to Build a Strong Future
Ontario and NAN Sign New Treaty Relationship Agreement
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler today marked the signing of a new agreement to strengthen the relationship between the province and Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
Premier Wynne and Grand Chief Fiddler were at Queen’s Park today to sign the Treaty Relationship Agreement, along with a number of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Chiefs in attendance. This agreement reflects a revitalized relationship between the province and NAN as treaty partners. It lays the foundation for more meaningful discussions on priority issues that affect First Nation people and communities, such as economic development, resource development, environmental protection, socio-economic conditions, health and education.
Hundreds of years after the first treaties were signed, they continue to be part of the relationships we are building and enhancing — and today is evidence of their enduring importance. This signing of the Treaty Relationship Agreement is another step toward a more modern and mutually beneficial partnership between Ontario and NAN, and marks a new chapter in the government’s commitment to reconciliation and collaboration to make sure First Nation communities in Ontario are able to thrive.
QUICK FACTS
- Nishnawbe Aski Nation represents 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty No. 9 and Ontario’s portion of Treaty No. 5 — an area covering two-thirds of the province of Ontario.
- Ontario’s Treaty Strategy commits to promoting public awareness on treaties, facilitates constructive engagement on treaties, revitalizes treaty relationships and promotes improved socio-economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.
- Budget 2018 commits $40 million in new operating funding over three years to support the expansion of new and existing child care programs on-reserve, as well as $290 million over six years in new child care capital infrastructure, to create 4,500 new child care spaces, doubling current child care capacity on-reserve.
- Ontario is investing $222 million over three years to increase equitable access to health care and taking steps to give First Nations decision-making power over health care, including by providing training for up to 1,000 health care workers living and working in First Nation communities, and for Indigenous health care organizations providing palliative care. Ontario is also supporting 34 Indigenous-led mental health and wellness programs across Ontario.
