First Nation to Wynne: Now it's time to talk treaty

NEWS RELEASE

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION

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CUTLER - The Ontario Liberal Government under the leadership Premier Kathleen Wynne is a positive outcome for Ontario and First Nations in the province.

Serpent River First Nation Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini says that the certainty of a liberal majority sets the table for serious players to get started on results.

"I want to congratulate Premier Wynne on the important impact that she is making, and will continue to make on provincial politics in this country," said Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini.

Day and other leaders recently met in Toronto to discuss ways to strengthen a relationship with Ontario.

In days to come, an open letter is expected that will propose a “new dialogue” from Chief Day, to propose a new way advance collective interests in Ontario.

"Premier Wynne, your ongoing commitment to our First Nation people in Ontario has only become stronger now that you have obtained a majority of support of Ontario citizens. We have many issues that we have spoken about but were unable to address under the political barriers inherent to a minority government,” adds Day.

Chief Day emphasizes, “we must modernize our approach and be willing to step-up the dialogue and results on issues like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Child Welfare, Education, Environment, Sustainable Development, Community Safety; all from the stand point of First Nation jurisdiction and from the position that treaties in Ontario must be respected and the reason for government to government results.”

Next month marks the 250th year of the 1764 Treaty of Niagara.

This commemoration is prompting many First Nation leaders to come to the table in the spirit of renewal and respect of their “treaty relationship” with the Crown.

Many First Nation leaders are strongly urging all jurisdictions under the auspices of the Crown to take First Nations issues serious and come to the table prepared to advance solutions for all treaty partners.

Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini says that with the right focus and willingness to advance a collective responsibility to the treaties, Ontario can move from a “have not” province to one that flourishes and provides a healthy path forward for future generations for Ontarians and First Nations in this province.

Serpent River First Nation Anishinabek located on the North Shore of Lake Huron has a total citizenship of over 1500 and is a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850, as well as the Bondhead of 1836.

The First Nation was also represented as Anishinabek at the 1764 Treaty of Niagara and was recognized as allies in the War of 1812.

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