Government Commitments:
Exploring Stakeholder: "Government of Ontario"
Updates on this page: 51
April 8, 2024
Planned talks could end appeal of Saugeen First Nation beach ownership at Sauble
NationTalk: Exeter Lakeshore – Times Advance – South Bruce Peninsula’s appeal of a decision recognizing Saugeen First Nation’s ownership of more beach at Sauble Beach might not go to trial May 27. Two days of negotiations are planned involving federal and provincial representatives, the town and Saugeen in the next two weeks. Saugeen Chief Conrad Ritchie...
April 3, 2024
Ontario promises to add 5 more First Nations to power grid, end reliance on diesel
First Nations stress they want to be consulted during the process CBC Indigenous: As the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission project nears completion, Ontario plans to add five more remote First Nations to the provincial power grid and end their reliance on diesel fuel. Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Thursday at a media event in Oliver...
March 31, 2024
City of Ottawa
Municipal Calls to Action The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report calls on municipalities to deliver specific outcomes for the following 5 Calls to Action: Call to Action Description Specific Outcome C2A # 43 UN Declaration (UNDRIP) Fully adopt and implement UNDRIP as the framework for reconciliation C2A # 47 Royal Proclamation and Covenant Repudiate...
March 5, 2024
First Nations and Ontario One Step Closer to Building All-Season Roads in the Ring of Fire
NationTalk: TORONTO – The Ontario government, Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation have signed an agreement to develop community infrastructure projects that could support future development opportunities in the area, including building all-seasons roads to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region. “I want to commend Marten Falls First Nation Chief Bruce Achneepineskum and...
March 1, 2024
Ontario Makes Historic Investment to Expand Forest Sector Innovation
NationTalk: TIMMINS – The Government of Ontario is delivering on its commitment to build a stronger forest sector by making an historic investment of $60 million in the Forest Biomass Program. Over the next three years, the program will make targeted investments in forest sector initiatives to develop the economic potential and environmental benefits of...
February 21, 2024
Local group asks for new seat on Hamilton council to represent Indigenous community
The Indigenous-specific council seat dovetails with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, says Lyndon George NationTalk: The Hamilton Spectator – A local Indigenous consultation group is asking Hamilton city officials to pursue a new council seat to represent their community members. Turning the request into reality would require changes to provincial legislation, but...
February 19, 2024
Inherent rights highlighted at the 8th annual Anishinabek Nation Lands and Resources Forum
By Kelly Anne Smith NationTalk: AnishinabekNews.ca – NORTH BAY— Concerns of climate change, extreme mining claims, and the health of the Great Lakes were heard over three days at the 8th annual Anishinabek Nation Lands and Resources Forum, Kina-Gego-Naabadosin – Everything is Connected, at the Best Western in North Bay, Ont., from February 13 to...
January 31, 2024
Thunder Bay Launches Groundbreaking Indigenous Economic Impact Study
By NNL Digital News Update A Collaborative Effort for Inclusive Economic Development NationTalk:: NNL Digital News Update – THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – An initiative for assessing the economic contributions of Indigenous communities in Thunder Bay has been launched. The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) collaborates with Fort William First Nation, the Anishnawbe Business Professional...
January 30, 2024
Ontario Supporting Growth and Innovation in the Forest Sector
NationTalk: THUNDER BAY – The Government of Ontario is supporting economic growth and creating jobs with the second phase of funding under the new Forest Biomass Program. The $9.4 million investment will develop the untapped economic potential and environmental benefits of new and emerging uses of underutilized wood and mill by-products, collectively known as forest...
December 31, 2023
How reconciliation is tied up in the Ring of Fire
In remote Ontario, Marten Falls First Nation hopes to move past more than 100 years of subjugation, as it opens the door to critical minerals development and an all-season road that will change their lives NIALL MCGEE, PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO BY FRED LUM, THE GLOBE AND MAIL MARTEN FALLS FIRST NATION, ONT. PUBLISHED DECEMBER 31,...
December 8, 2023
Reconciliation-in-Action: Caldwell First Nation hosts first ever conference for municipalities in Southwestern Ontario
Municipal leaders and staff from across Windsor and Essex County are attending a historic conference on “Reconciliation in Action” hosted by the Caldwell First Nation at the Ojibway Nature Centre Friday. The conference for local governments is intended to develop deeper understandings about the history, presence and experience of First Nations people who have lived...
December 7, 2023
Agreement to forge new partnerships for municipalities, First Nations
First Peoples Law Report: The Hamilton Spectator – In the spirit of reconciliation, but also as a way to forge new economic partnerships, six municipal and two area First Nations governments will sign what’s being described as a memorandum of respect, understanding and partnership. In the spirit of reconciliation, but also as a way to...
November 20, 2023
Second meeting between leaders of national Indigenous organizations and federal, provincial and territorial ministers of Indigenous Affairs concludes in Ottawa
First Peoples Law Report: OTTAWA, UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, ON – On November 15th and 16th, 2023, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister of Indigenous Affairs for New Brunswick, together, in Ottawa, convened the second meeting between leaders of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Métis...
November 17, 2023
Hamilton council hoped for ‘fresh start’ with Indigenous community. Leaders reflect on gains, 1 year later
“My hope is we do continue on this good road,’ says HRIC’s Audrey Davis of relationship with council This week, CBC Hamilton is looking back at this council’s first year. This is Part 2 of a three-part series. Read Part 1 here. CBC Indigenous: On a frosty December day in 2022, weeks after Hamilton’s city council was inaugurated, local...
November 2, 2023
BREAKING: $10B RHT annuities settlement approved
Garden River First Nation last community to sign off on historic settlement agreement between Robinson Huron Treaty beneficiaries, Canada and Ontario; settlement now officially a done deal First Peoples Law Report: SOOTODAY.com – Garden River First Nation has officially approved the $10-billion settlement agreementbetween Robinson Huron Treaty beneficiaries, Canada and Ontario for unpaid treaty annuity increases dating...
October 18, 2023
Statement from Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare and The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Ontario
by ahnationtalk on October 18, 2023 NationTalk: Toronto, ON — Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare and The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Ontario released the following statement: “On October 16, 2023, the First Nations Leadership Council and five Ontario Ministers had a productive Leadership Advocacy Strategy Meeting. This quarterly forum provides Chiefs of Ontario with an...
October 18, 2023
Consultations continue as 2 First Nations work toward road to Ring of Fire in northern Ontario
Series of open houses planned for next few weeks across the region CBC Indigenous: A project that would create a direct route between the provincial highway network and the lucrative Ring of Fire mineral deposit in northern Ontario is making headway. Led by Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation, the Northern Road Link project would...
September 18, 2023
A fire that’s been burning for 173 years
Spiritual practices observed in Robinson treaties case courtroom are a modern continuity of an ancient tradition A sacred fire (or Shkodeh, as it is known in Anishinaabemowin) has burned every day the Robinson treaties trial has been in session. This landmark case was first heard in 2017. Submitted by Alex Bisson CBC Indigenous: A sacred fire...
September 15, 2023
Métis Nation of Ontario commemorates 20th anniversary of landmark Powley Decision
NationTalk: OTTAWA, ON – September 19, 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Powley Decision, a pivotal moment in Canadian legal history for the Métis Nation. In 2003, the unanimous Supreme Court ruling in R v. Powley cemented a watershed victory for Métis rights recognition. In honour of this historic milestone, the Métis Nation of...
September 5, 2023
Robinson Huron Waawiidamaagewin gathering full of teachings, activities
Robinson Huron Treaty Chiefs gathered in Sudbury, Ont., with federal and provincial governments on June 17. – Photo by Marci Becking NationTalk: AnishinabekNews.ca:G ARDEN RIVER — A Treaty Renewal Ceremony is being held on Sept. 9 at the GFL Memorial Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie as part of the Robinson Huron Treaty 1850 Gathering. Held...
August 23, 2023
City collaboratively launches its first Indigenous Health Strategy
NationTalk: HAMILTON, ON – Last week, City Council approved its first Indigenous Health Strategy, which aims to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous individuals in Hamilton and reduce health disparities. Recognizing the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous health, Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) has engaged in a comprehensive and collaborative process...
August 17, 2023
Ontario Launches New Program to Protect Caribou
Program to fund habitat protection and research projects supporting caribou conservation Environment, Conservation and Parks Table of Contents NationTalk: TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing up to $20 million in a new Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program to support projects that maintain and recover caribou populations in the province. The funding will be available to...
July 11, 2023
Premiers meeting in Winnipeg starts with discussion with Indigenous leaders
Heather Stefanson, Chair, Council of the Federation, and Premier of Manitoba talks with David Chartrand, Manitoba Metis Federation president, at the Canadian premiers and National Indigenous Organizations meeting in Winnipeg, Monday, July 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods NationTalk: Canada’s premiers kicked off their annual three-day conference Monday by meeting with Indigenous leaders on issues...
July 3, 2023
‘New landmark’ celebrated at dedication of Chief Tecumseh sculpture
The sculpture is on the beach at Lakewood Park North CBC News: Windsor and Essex County marked its deep Indigenous roots on Monday with a ceremony in the Town of Tecumseh to dedicate a new sculpture of the town’s namesake. Chief Tecumseh is memorialized in a new sculpture on the beach in Lakewood Park North. “This...
June 19, 2023
Robinson Huron citizens offered long-overdue payment
By Maurice Switzer NationTalk: Anishinabeknews.ca – ROBINSON HURON TERRITORY— How does one feel when someone pays a long overdue debt? Pleased? Relieved? Angry that it took so long? First Nations citizens of the 21 Robinson Huron Treaty communities are experiencing a range of emotions after the announcement that Canada and Ontario have agreed to pay...
June 9, 2023
First Unitarian Ottawa and Partners Unveil Plans for ‘Odayanhaway’: A Little Village of Sustainable and Affordable Housing
NationTalk: Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, OTTAWA – The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa (FirstU) and its partners Cahdco, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS), and Theia Partners are thrilled to announce their upcoming housing development project located on Cleary Avenue, unofficially titled “Odayanhaway”, a word in Ojibwe meaning “Little Village”. The master plan of the project...
June 1, 2023
Métis leaders want introduction, passage of self government legislation this spring
APTN News: Canadian Press – Metis leaders urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government on Thursday to speed up its plans to introduce and pass self-government legislation before Parliament breaks for summer. The leaders met in Ottawa as part of a summit between the Metis National Council and several government ministers. The council is comprised of...
May 17, 2023
Northern Development Ministers’ Forum Focuses on Economic Reconciliation through Action
NationTalk: CHURCHILL, MAN.—Ministers representing Canada’s northern jurisdictions gathered this week in Churchill, Man. for the 2023 Northern Development Ministers’ Forum (NDMF). Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt hosted this year’s forum, which focused on learning from successful examples of economic reconciliation through action across the country. “Manitoba was honoured to welcome our...
May 5, 2023
Lac La Croix First Nation in northwestern Ontario reaches ‘transformational’ land claim settlement
$131.3M settlement aims to right wrongs from 1873 A settlement agreement was signed this week between Lac La Croix First Nation and the Ontario and federal governments, more than 20 years after the First Nation submitted its treaty land entitlement claim. The semi-remote First Nation is about 320 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay along the Ontario-Minnesota...
March 27, 2023
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare Responds to the Tabling of the 2023 Ontario Budget
NationTalk: (Toronto, Ontario ) – Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement in response to the 2023 Ontario Budget: “On March 23, 2023, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, tabled the 2023 provincial budget entitled 2023 Ontario Budget: Building a Strong Ontario,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare. “This budget provided an outline...
February 20, 2023
Tungasuvvingat Inuit Grand Opening of New Food Security Centre
NationTalk: On February 17th, an important milestone was achieved for the Inuit community in the Ottawa area as Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) celebrated the grand opening of their new modular building for the Food Security Program at 297 Savard Avenue in Ottawa. The event was attended by local MPP Lucille Collard who expressed her delight in...
December 15, 2022
Ontario Providing More Affordable Housing in Cambridge
Provincial investment will support Indigenous households Cambridge — The Ontario government is providing more than $1.8 million to help create 30 affordable housing units in Cambridge. Located at 27 Cambridge Street, the KW Urban Native Wigwam Project will have 23 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom culturally appropriate affordable rental units with support services for vulnerable Indigenous...
December 9, 2022
Ontario Investing in Affordable Housing in Thunder Bay
Funding will support vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness NationTalk: THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing nearly $1.7 million in two projects to help create 16 housing units in the Thunder Bay area. The funding is being delivered through the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) and will provide affordable housing for those identifying as First...
June 18, 2021
Creation of Super Ministry
Norther Ontario Business – Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry and Ministry of Indigenous Services are all handled by Minister Greg Rickford...
March 3, 2020
Otipemisiwak: A National Conference on Métis Self-Government
Métis governments from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are gathering next week in Ottawa on March 9 and 10 for a first-of-its-kind conference on Métis self-government. The conference builds on the historic signings of the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSAs) in June 2019. The MGRSAs are the first agreements in Canada to recognize the...
August 19, 2019
State of the Nation Address
President Froh “State of the Nation Address” stressed the importance of the MNO-Canada-Ontario Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation that she described as “monumentally historic.” She stated that the MNO is fully prepared to keep advancing its mandate of self-determination and self-government on behalf of the rights of Metis people throughout Ontario. This she stated “is...
June 29, 2019
Dedicated Ministry of Indigenous Affairs eliminated
tbnewswatch.com – The Ministry of Indigenous Services has been integrated into a combined Ministry of Energy, Northern Affairs and Mines, Energy and Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. Under the previous Liberal government those responsibilities had been divided between three individual ministers....
June 27, 2019
Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement
This agreement affirms the Métis right of self-government and recognize the mandates of the Métis Nation of Ontario (also Metis Nations of Alberta and Saskatchewan). The agreement also set out next steps to formally recognize the Métis governments as Indigenous governments in Canadian law. While the Métis Nation of Ontario already has well-established province-wide governance...
April 12, 2019
Indigenous Relations budget cut
This year its base funding was reduced by 15 per cent to 74.4 million, down from 88 million last year, and there is no allotment for one-time investments such as claim settlements....
April 30, 2018
Framework Agreement on Métis Harvesting
Advances the recognition of Métis rights in the province. The Framework Agreement replaces a previous MNO-MNRF interim agreement from July 2004 as well as consolidates the collaborative work that the MNO and Ontario have undertaken over the last decade with respect to advancing the recognition of Métis rights, including the identification of seven historic Métis...
April 17, 2018
Treaty Relationship Agreement with Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler today marked the signing of the Treaty Relationship Agreement to strengthen the relationship between the province and Nishnawbe Aski Nation. It lays the foundation for more meaningful discussions on priority issues that affect First Nation people and communities, such as economic development, resource development, environmental protection,...
February 15, 2018
Annual Meeting with Premier
The annual meeting with the Premier provides the MNO with the opportunity to discuss its government-to- government relationship with Ontario including updating on key priorities and areas of shared interest and concern. “We provided an overview of the many advancements that have been made by MNO and Ontario working in collaboration as well as highlighting...
December 11, 2017
Framework Agreement to Advance Reconciliation
The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Métis Nation of Ontario have signed a historic Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation. Under the Framework Agreement, Canada, Ontario and the Métis Nation of Ontario will begin negotiations toward shared and balanced solutions that advance reconciliation and enhance the well-being of Métis Nation of Ontario...
February 3, 2017
MOU to Advance Reconciliation
Establishes an exploratory discussion table between the MNO and Canada with the goal of arriving at a framework agreement by September 2017. The anticipated framework agreement would establish a formal negotiations process based on mutually agreeable subject matters, including Métis self-government, lands, rights and outstanding claims against the Crown https://www.metisnation.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/mno-canada-mou-on-reconciliation-final-february-3-2017.pdf...
May 30, 2016
Journey Together: Ontario’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous People
Investments of $250M/3 yrs + $104.5M annually after. Outline expectations around achieving greater equity with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across all dimensions: economic, educational, social, housing, justice system, health, clean environments and land use. Programs and Actions: Understanding the Legacy of Residential Schools Closing Gaps and Removing Barriers Creating a Culturally Relevant and...
May 30, 2016
Official Apology
Premier Kathleen Wynne apologized today on behalf of the Government of Ontario for the brutalities committed for generations at residential schools and the continued harm this abuse has caused to Indigenous cultures, communities, families and individuals....
May 30, 2016
Journey Together: Ontario’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous People
Budget commits $250M/3 yrs + $104.5M annually after. “Journey Together” outlines expectations around achieving greater equity with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across all dimensions: economic, educational, social, housing, justice system, health, clean environments and land use. Programs and Actions: Understanding the Legacy of Residential Schools Closing Gaps and Removing Barriers Creating a Culturally...
May 25, 2016
First Nations Health Action Plan
Ont. First Nations Health Action Plan (3 yrs) Spread across multiple Calls to Action (incl. annual base funding of $77M). Inc. $7.2M in new funding for 2016-17 to ensure Indigenous people have access to more culturally appropriate care and improved outcomes, focusing on the North where there are significant gaps in health services. This investment...
December 1, 2015
Bill 153 Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act
Bill 153 Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act signed between government of Ontario and Métis Nation of Ontario. Both the courts and the legislature have affirmed that the law in this province recognizes our historic and continued existence as an Indigenous people. This is the first Métis-specific legislation in Ontario history https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s15039...
August 24, 2015
Political Accord
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne signed the Accord for the Province, while Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day signed on behalf of the Political Confederacy and Chiefs-in-Assembly. The Accord creates a formal bilateral relationship framed by the recognition of the treaty relationship. The Accord affirms that First Nations have an inherent right to self-government and that the...
November 17, 2008
MNO – Ontario Framework Agreement
Established a collaborative relationship that reinforced the commitment to work together to improve the well-being of Métis children, families and communities while building knowledge and understanding of Métis culture among all Ontarians....