"New Relationship Fund" to support First Nations legal requirements to negotiate settlements
Fund to aid native groups in talks
May 16, 2008 - Robert Benzie
The Ontario government is creating a $25 million fund to help aboriginal communities hire lawyers and other advisers to "level the playing field" in treaty and business negotiations with Ottawa, the province and resource firms.
Acting on a recommendation from the Ipperwash judicial inquiry, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant yesterday committed the money to the "new relationship fund."
"One of the main obstacles to a better relationship is coming to an agreement," said Bryant, referring to challenges that confront First Nations and Métis when they face government or industry lawyers and experts in negotiations.
"This is intended to level the playing field so that government and aboriginal leaders can speak the same language with the same support on both sides," he said.
"Right now, more often than not, agreements are either slowed down or non-existent because of the lack of trust by aboriginal leadership towards government."
The two-year commitment of $25 million will help native groups retain "independent advice" and should help avert crises like the ongoing land-claims dispute with Ottawa at Caledonia, Bryant said.
Bryant urged the federal government to contribute to the fund.
Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse hailed the move."The initial investment announced today is a positive first step in recognizing the significant capacity needs within First Nations communities," said Toulouse.
Meanwhile, federal Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said yesterday that imposing a deadline to settle the land-claim dispute in Caledonia is not the way to go despite provincial calls to speed up the process.
"Frankly, negotiation – rather than ultimatums – I think is a better way to go," Strahl said after a speech in Toronto.