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from http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2006/21/c4536.html

NAN and Ontario establish new relationship

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 21 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy together with The Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs today announced the establishment of the "Northern Table" during the NAN Winter Chiefs Assembly taking place in Thunder Bay, ON this week.

"I'm very pleased we're beginning meaningful and strategic dialogue with one of our treaty partners (Ontario) with the intent to include the other (Canada) in the future," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "A new era in government relations must begin in order for our people to begin to prosper from the natural resources that have contributed to the prosperity of other Ontarians. Provided the table is approached by both sides in good faith, this is the first step in achieving that."

The purpose of the Northern Table partnership between NAN and the Government of Ontario is to provide a forum to address the unique challenges specific to NAN First Nation communities in Ontario, while addressing the gap in socioeconomic status between the residents of NAN territory (an area covering two-thirds of Ontario) and non-Aboriginal residents throughout the province.

"Today, we are embarking on something new and different," said David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "The new political-level Northern Table will address some of the challenges to achieving prosperity and well being in Northern Ontario and enable First Nations communities in the north to share fairly in the benefits of natural resource development."

NAN's goal at the Northern Table is to ensure meaningful and active participation of First Nations in establishing a viable economic base for our communities in partnership with Ontario, industry, and the private sector.

"Right now it's their policies and laws versus our needs and rights," said Wunnumin Lake First Nation Chief Archie Wabasse. "Ontario needs to realize that simply creating a table will not solve the fundamental challenges with our current treaty relationship. The Northern Table is a positive step,but only one part of a solutions-based agenda for Aboriginal and treaty rights."

Nishnawbe Aski Nation will lead on the development of an agenda and priority issues to be dealt with at the Northern Table. An Agreement-In-Principle is expected to be developed for endorsement this summer.

For further information: please contact Jenna Young, NAN Communications Officer, (807) 625-4952 or (807) 628-3953 (mobile)

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from http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2006/21/c7158.html

Ontario government and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs launch Northern Table

Initiative First Step In Promoting Prosperity For First Nations In The North

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 21 /CNW/ - The Ontario government and Treaties 9 and 5 Chiefs have established a Northern Table in order to bring greater economic opportunity to Aboriginal communities in the North, David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Stan Beardy, Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation announced today.

"The Northern Table is a first step toward a political-level forum that will develop a co-operative approach to discussing the unique challenges in achieving prosperity and well-being in the North," said Ramsay. "Establishing the Northern Table fulfills one of Ontario's key commitments under the New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs."

The Northern Table will build on the provincial government's current initiatives, programs and services in its commitment to ensure that First Nations in the North are able to participate in the benefits of resource development. Discussions on the membership, functioning and mandate of the Northern Table will be the subject of ongoing discussions among the partners.

"The McGuinty government recognizes that past approaches have not always resolved issues nor resulted in timely progress," said Ramsay. "I expect the new Northern Table to be something different and results-oriented. It will be a true partnership that, over time, will include other First Nations in the North."

"I'm very pleased the First Nation communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation will be entering into meaningful and strategic dialogue with Ontario with the intent to include Canada in the future," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "Our goal at the Northern Table is to ensure active participation of First Nations in establishing a viable economic base for Ontario's far north in partnership with Ontario, industry, and the private sector."

The McGuinty government is promoting prosperity and well-being across Northern Ontario. The Northern Table will help enhance First Nation participation in the benefits of resource development and boost the long-term sustainability of the northern economy.