Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne signed the accord for the province, while Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day signed on behalf of the Political Confederacy and Chiefs-in-Assembly.
The accord creates a formal bilateral relationship framed by the recognition of the treaty relationship.
According to a news release from the province, the agreement:
- Affirms that First Nations have an inherent right to self-government and that the relationship between Ontario and the First Nations must be based upon respect for this right.
- Commits the parties to work together on issues of mutual interest, including resource benefits sharing, the treaty relationship and jurisdictional matters.
- Sets a path for further reconciliation between First Nations and the people of Ontario.
The Accord also commits the Premier and First Nations' leadership to meet twice yearly in order to further advance their efforts on shared priorities.
"The signing of this accord represents a renewal of the relationship between the First Nations and Ontario and is an important step in the ongoing revitalization of First Nations communities,” Wynne is quoted as saying in the release.
“Most of all, it is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of peoples across the province, and to start to build a better future for our children and grandchildren."
For her part, Day described the agreement as “the most important collective milestone in modern times.
“With this accord, First Nations and Ontario have committed to strengthening a new relationship,” she said in the news release. “I look forward to working with Ontario in developing a comprehensive strategy and framework that will fully utilize this accord to advance our jurisdiction and Treaty rights on
our terms."
The opening prayer at the signing ceremony was provided by Elder Garry Sault from the
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
Tristen Schneider represented First Nations Youth and provided remarks alongside Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer and Grand Council Chief Pat Madahbee.
"The signed political accord is the culmination of months of negotiation between our government and the Chiefs of Ontario,” Zimmer said in the release.
“I’m proud of my ministry’s role in this historic agreement, and our government’s commitment to working together with First Nations in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration."
"The political accord signals a willingness of both parties to work together and resolve high level Ontario First Nation issues in a meaningful way,” Madahbee added.
