The past year has been a time of tremendous change at the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) office. And, is often the case, change is always accompanied by some anxiety. Much has transpired and many internal changes have occured.

COO has had to deal with many issues resulting from new federal and provincial government policies. At the same time, the new administration introduced by National Chief Phil Fontaine has re-defined the role played by the Ontario Regional Chief within the political structure of the Assembly of First Nations. COO's role on the national stage has been expanded significantly.

In 1919, an organization called the Grand General Indian Council of Ontario, was the only political representation First Nations had at the provincial and federal level. The Council represented 42 First Nation communities along the north shore of Lake Superior, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay southward through Ontario's industrial heartland.

By the late 1960's the organization had grown to include other First Nations but it had become clear to some the organization was unable to deal effectively with local issues.

By 1971, Grand Council Treaty #3, representing 23 First Nations, was formed. In 1973, approximately 40 northern communities established Grand Council Treaty Nine. By 1981, their name was changed to Nishnawbe-Aski Nation. AIAI formed their own alliance in 1970.

Some form of central office was required to coordinate the efforts of the four individual First Nation federations. This led to the formation of the Chiefs of Ontario office in 1976. Since then, most administrative and political decisions have been made in the south. To participate in the political and administrative process, northern and isolated groups had to come to Toronto. This placed enormous financial and time constraints on them.

Prior to Mattagami (1997) these concerns had been discussed and it was decided that a new head office, in the north, would be appropriate. Therefore, in response to the concerns and requests of many northern chiefs, a new COO facility was opened at Fort William First Nation in May, 1998. The office at 22 College Street in Toronto was closed and a smaller office housing the legal, intergovernmental affairs, communications and finance departments was opened at 344 Bloor Street West. Together these moves will result in considerable savings in rent.

More important however, with the move to Fort William First Nation a more equitable distribution of travel and other costs will be realized for the distant and more isolated First Nations of the north and northwest.

Office Review

Reviews of the administrative structure, policies and procedures of the Chiefs of Ontario office have been attempted in the past with little success.This simply put off the inevitable. The longer the review was delayed, the more difficult it would be to implement when finally initiated.

Staff re-structuring, policy revision and office moves are never pleasant. Knowing they are necessary does not make it easier for those experiencing the changes. However, as directed by AOCC (Thunder Bay), a review of staffing, accounting and other professional office procedures was initiated last fall with a team representing the PTO's and Independent First Nations.

Costs prevented the review from completion and a report to PPC was not made. Many chiefs however, continued to press for its completion.

At the March 25 meeting it was noted that funding for the completion of the review had been secured but individuals approached to complete the study were not immediately available.

Since then a contract has been awarded to Kewayosh Community Development Consultants (KCDC) who had submitted a detailed workplan and budget to COO in early April. By mid-April they had met with a number of individual chiefs and organizations and presented an initial verbal update to COO administration. Their final report was presented to AOCC (West Bay) June 2-4, 1998.

External Initiatives: National Affairs

For many years the relationship between COO, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the federal government in Ottawa languished.

Recently, National Chief Phil Fontaine has dramatically restructured AFN and has opened the doors for much more involvement in the entire political decision-making process from all PTO=s across Turtle Island.

On Parliament Hill, the Hon. Jane Stewart was appointed Minister For Indian and Northern Affairs - one of the most difficult portfolios in Cabinet. She has begun to take action on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP).

An excellent working relationship has emerged between COO and AFN while discussions with INAC are promising.

As a result COO has taken a significantly enhanced and proactive role at the national level while, at the same time, increasing the recognition of its initiatives with both AFN and Ottawa.

To date, COO has assumed responsibilities for AFN initiatives on Certified General Accountants (CGA), Lands and Trust Services (LTS), Social Security Reforms (SSR), Veterans and the Executive Management team at AFN. The workload is heavy and demands on the time of the Regional Chief are severe but it is clear this enhanced role will greatly benefit all Ontario First Nations. However, a serious look at a formal and more equitable formula for the sharing of the national and provincial reponsibilities of the Regional Chief is necessary.

COO sees the RCAP Response, Gathering Strength, featuring a Statement of Reconciliation, as an excellent beginning to the creation of a new relationship between Ottawa and all First Nations. A series of meetings over the past year with the Minister have been promising and COO looks forward to further discussions.

The Healing Fund of $350 million over the next four years, approved after a great deal of discussion at a Confederacy meeting in Edmonton, is a positive initiative.

Fiscal Relations

COO has pursued bilateral fiscal relations talks with Ottawa to establish a series of tables to discuss important, but currently inactive, issues.

On February 9, COO staff and PTO's met with chiefs from the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) on a fact-finding mission.

While a great deal was learned from the trip, and much of the information gathered will be useful, Ontario is structured much differently politically and socially. With four PTO's and many Independents, COO does not have the same leverage as FSIN which represents all First Nations in Saskatchewan. COO will have to create its own document.

Also, while normally viewed as a bilateral process with the federal government, many people think Ontario should also be at the fiscal relations table. Whether appreciated or not, the province is inextricably involved in our affairs and they must be dealt with as part of the process.

Renewed fiscal relations discussions have been brought forward in protocol discussions with the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat (ONAS) and it has promised to bring the issue before Cabinet.

Economic Renewal Strategy

COO has responded to requests to support First Nations entrepreneurial intitiatives and business partnerships with both the Aboriginal and non-Native private sector.

COO has sent representatives to the Harris government's Aboriginal Economic Development Strategy meetings between First Nation PTO=s, entrepreneurs, banks and other business interests.

A strong message concerning education, training and accreditation for First Nations post-secondary educational institutions has also been delivered to Ontario. If Aboriginal youth are to take their place within a province-wide entrepreneurial and business community, this issue must be addressed.

Casino Rama

Dreams of reaping the benefits from a First Nation casino in Ontario have been slow in their realization.

A final report, including mechanisms for revenue sharing, trust funds and a board to oversee revenue distribution has been undergoing final revisions with the remaining members of the Revenue Sharing Committee. However, ultimate control of the revenue, mechanisms for its distribution and the selection of a board to oversee the funds have not yet been finalized nor agreed upon by the negotiating parties.

Ontario Works

The Ontario Works initiative taken by the Province of Ontario has proven to be troublesome legislation for some First Nations.

COO and the Ontario Indian Social Services Committee has worked on the issue since the legislation was introduced by the Progressive Conservatives two years ago. Legal strategies have been put forward by COO while implementation vehicles and business plans have also been discussed with the chiefs.

Options have been developed, reviewed and discussed and the possibility of round table discussions with Ontario and Ottawa have been considered with COO serving as coordinator.

Since consensus among First Nations on how best to deal with Ontario Works has not been reached, any initiatives taken by COO must reflect as fairly as possible the different points of view of the PTO's and individual First Nations.

Many First Nations have chosen to deal with Ontario Works in their own way and in a manner that accurately reflects the wishes of the communities and individual concerns of chiefs. This means that some have accepted Ontario Works either fully or in part while others have rejected it completely.

COO understands the importance of accommodating and respecting all points of view.

Protocol discussions with Ontario resumed at COO offices this past April. The January 9 Protocol Draft Paper was discussed in detail and considerable fine tuning of the language of the agreement was accomplished.

Of special concern for COO was the elimination of negative language concerning Alimited resources@ on the part of Ontario. COO also introduced a discussion on Fiscal Relations into the final agreement, suggesting that the long-term goal of First Nations is to establish jurisdiction over their own resources. Representatives from the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat prromised to bring COO's Fiscal Relations suggestions to Cabinet.

Wording meant to clarify the roles and responsibilities of COO in future negotiations was also introduced while special emphasis was placed on Premier Harris' comments last year about meeting with First Nations chiefs on a government-to-government basis. COO appreciates the Premier's comments since they will help set the course and establish protocol for future intergovernmental discussions between Ontario and PPC.

Cyberspace

Informal discussions with AFN into joint efforts in enhancing Internet, Website, Homepage and other electronic communications systems have begun. COO continues to examine the advantages of initiating an expanded role for computer-based information technology to bring First Nations communications into the new millenium. To this end, a COO Homepage (http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org) will become a significant cornerstone in meeting the increased demands for information concerning Aboriginal peoples in Ontario.

Closing Comments

Much has transpired since the Mattagami AOCC last June and a great deal has been accomplished.

COO and the First Nations of Ontario are ready to take their legitimate place as equal partners in both the affairs of Ontario and at the federal level.

Our focus is clear and our efforts remain directed towards nation building and self government. Together we build a new future for our families.