GROWTH PLAN MUST BE SCOPED MORE BROADLY FOR FIRST NATION FOUNDATION TO BE STRENGTHENED

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT MUST ENSURE THAT MINISTER ENCOURAGES WIDE-RANGING DISCUSSIONS WITH GRAND COUNCIL TREATY #3

NEWS October 27, 2009

Last week, at the Annual Fall Assembly of the Grand Council Treaty #3, the Chiefs reviewed and widely endorsed “Mino Kakendaasowin: Fulfilling Saagachiwe’s Vision” in Grassy Narrows First Nation (October 22, 2009). In this informative, well-researched report, the Education Needs of the 26 First Nation in Ontario had been assessed with over 23 recommendations related to closing the Gap for First Nation education in Northwestern Ontario.

The Treaty #3 Chiefs voiced many concerns related to the structural and policy barriers to educational achievement for our children and youth highlighted in this report. It is especially frustrating given that Treaty #3 is widely regarded as the “education” treaty in Canada, with strong, affirmative obligations placed on the Crown to provide education within and for Treaty #3 communities.

“We see in the Northern Ontario Growth Plan several action plans that are founded on our youth’s ability to contribute, and therefore, this plan is likely to fail without sound and immediate investments in Treaty #3 education needs.” states Ogichidaakwe Diane Kelly, Grand Chief of the Grand Council Treaty #3. As a lawyer and advocate who has attended First Nation-based schools in her home community of Onigaming, she is aware of the challenges facing our youth in the educational system. “The level of funding vis-a-vis off-reserve schools in our territory, is striking in a widening gap illustrated in teacher’s salaries, resources, and of course, graduation rates.”

The pillar of Aboriginal Economic Development holds some promise of positive action towards government to government partnerships that will benefit our Treaty #3 communities, but the education investment and lack of parity in resources provided to First Nation children and youth continues to be a cause of concern which is forefront in the political priorities of Grand Council Treaty #3.

“As a region that is under-serviced for regional economic development, the Grand Council Treaty #3 is interested in partnering with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry in ascertaining opportunities for investment in our communities’ economic development,” advises Ogichidaakwe Kelly, “however, it must be a true partnership in capacity building, strategic implementation and weighing various priorities.”

Grand Council Treaty #3 has signed a Letter of Intent with Minister Michael Gravelle in February 2009, where the Grand Council Treaty #3 Chiefs and Ogichidaakwe Kelly agreed to work together in the spirit of partnership with the then Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. “Our expectation is that renewed investment in our communities will be largely driven by needs rather than political compromises, and any efforts to develop and invest in the Treaty #3 territory will include strong efforts to consult with and partner with our First Nations,” states Grand Chief Kelly.

Grand Council Treaty #3 is undertaking a comprehensive review of the recently announced plan and will be corresponding directly with both Minister Michael Gravelle of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Minister George Smitherman of Energy and Infrastructure.

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, two of which are located in Manitoba.

· Treaty 3 was signed on October 3, 1873 at the north-west angle of the Lake of the Woods in territory that was, at the time, neither part of Ontario nor Manitoba.