Ontario Chiefs condemn the proposed governance initiative which violates and threatens their relationship with the Crown

WHAT: A press conference will be held at the All-Ontario Chiefs Conference (AOCC) regarding the mounting disturbance over the First Nations Governance Act being proposed by the Department of Indian Affairs. First Nation political leadership will be in attendance at this event to discuss their opposition to this initiative.

WHERE: The event will take place during the AOCC being held a the Sports Complex/Arena in Bkwejwanong Territory, Walpole Island. (Southwestern Ontario near Wallaceburg – map attached)

WHEN: The AOCC meeting will adjourn for a news conference at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 26/01.

WHO: Charles D. fox, Ontario Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, along with the Grand Chiefs of the Political Confederacy, will be making statements to the press as a result of formal discussion and strategies debated by the Ontario Chiefs in Assembly. They will also entertain questions from the media at this time.

WHY: Ontario First Nations Leadership are united in opposing the proposed federal governance initiative because the process disrespects the nation-to-nation relationship between First Nations and Canada. A federal policy document entitled “Canada’s Approach to Dealing with Section 35 Rights” is condemned by Ontario Chiefs as a blatant attempt to destroy and subjugate First Nation inherent and Treaty Rights.

The Chiefs of Ontario, incorporated in November 1982 as the “Indian Associations Co-ordinating Committee of Ontario,” is a co-ordinating body and advocate for the 134 First Nations in Ontario.