August 17 2007

Press Release
For Immediate Release:

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse Anticipates Building a Strong Relationship with New Federal Minister of Indian Affairs Based on First Nation Rights

August 16, 2007 - The Ontario Regional Chief, Angus Toulouse anticipates a positive working relationship with the new federal Cabinet announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. "I would like to welcome and congratulate the new Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (INAC), the Honourable Charles Strahl to his new portfolio," said Ontario Regional Chief Toulouse.

"First Nations in Ontario insist on a relationship with the Government of Canada that is reflective of the nation-to-nation relationship which as been established through the sacred Treaties, and affirmed by the Constitution of Canada, 1982," said the Regional Chief. The First Nations in Ontario desire a process to support the recognition and implementation of First Nation governments and feel that this can be successfully achieved through the reconciliation of our First Nation rights. "This process will produce positive mechanisms to address the many diverse issues within our communities," noted Regional Chief Toulouse.

"I am hopeful that Minister Strahl will take a pro-active approach in addressing First Nation issues. For a true partnership to exist, the determining of priorities and the development of solutions must be driven by First Nation communities and not be derived unilaterally from the Minister responsible," noted the Regional Chief. "I am also hopeful that Minister Strahl develops strong partnership with the legitimate First Nation governments to create these solutions as they represent their citizens regardless of residency," stated the Ontario Regional Chief.

The Ontario Regional Chief calls on the new INAC Minister to follow through on the commitments made to the First Nations in Ontario. A number of our First Nations and First Nation organizations worked diligently with the former Minister Prentice to develop solutions to a number of outstanding grievances. "I am confident that Minister Strahl will be briefed as soon as possible to ensure the valuable work continues. I look forward to a meeting with the Honourable Charles Strahl as soon as possible to develop a respectful partnership that focuses on creating solutions to address the many chronic issues facing First Nation communities," stated Chief Toulouse.

The Chiefs of Ontario office is a coordinating body for 134 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the Province of Ontario. The purpose of the Chiefs of Ontario office is to enable the political leadership to discuss regional, provincial and national priorities affecting First Nation people in Ontario and to provide a unified voice on these issues.

For more information please contact:
Kathleen Pilcher
(807) 626-9339