Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario sign Agreement on Advancing Reconciliation with Métis Community in Northwestern Ontario

OTTAWA, Dec. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario today signed an Agreement on Advancing Reconciliation with the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community. The goal of the Agreement is to begin to work together toward a shared solution that addresses the unique history and outstanding claims of this Métis community.

Under the Agreement, Canada and the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community will commit to engage in negotiations that foster an open exchange of ideas through respectful dialogue and frank discussion. This Agreement will seek to advance reconciliation with a view to settling any outstanding claims of the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community, including any Métis collective claims relating to the Treaty 3 Adhesion of 1875. 

Through these negotiations, the parties will work to address these outstanding claims and enhance the interests and well-being of Métis Nation of Ontario rights bearing citizens from the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community.  

Quotes

"This is an important step toward reconciliation with the Métis Nation of Ontario's Northwestern Ontario Métis Community. We are moving forward through respectful and co-operative dialogue to strengthen our government-to-government relationship and work together to build a better tomorrow with the Métis people of Northwestern Ontario."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

"Our Métis community has long struggled to have our unique historic and outstanding collective claims recognized by Canada.  While there is much more work to be done, our agreement sets out a way forward through which we hope the promises made to our Métis ancestors will finally be addressed and resolved."

Theresa Stenlund
Regional Councilor (Region#1-Northwestern Ontario), Métis Nation of Ontario

Quick Facts

• Today, the Government of Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario also signed a historic tripartite Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation.
• The Agreement on Advancing Reconciliation with the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community complements these overall reconciliation discussions.
• The Northwestern Ontario Métis Community is represented by the following Métis Nation of Ontario community councils: Sunset Country, Kenora, Atikokan and Northwest Métis Community Councils.
• The rights and interests of third parties, other Indigenous peoples and all Canadians will be respected and addressed during the negotiations.

Associated Links
Canada, Ontario and Métis Nation of Ontario sign Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation
Métis Nation of Ontario

SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For further information: media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Mike Fedyk, Director of Communications, Métis Nation of Ontario, 613-798-1488