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NAN press release

NAN Welcomes National Chief and other Leadership to Treaty No. 5 Commemoration Gala

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy and NAN Executive Council together with Treaty No. 5 leadership, this week will welcome Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo as the keynote speaker for the 1910 Treaty No. 5 Commemoration Gala. AFN Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse will also be providing remarks.

“We are pleased that the National Chief and other leadership will be present to commemorate this historic event,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “This Treaty is a relevant, living document that is the basis of our relations with the government, so it is important for everyone to recognize and respect it.”

“The centennial commemoration of Treaty 5 presents an opportunity to remember that Treaties were signed between Nations: First Nations and the Crown,” said AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. “This means that we are all Treaty people – First Nations and all Canadians – with shared responsibilities to live together and work together in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual recognition. This is what our ancestors intended by entering into Treaties, and that vision will guide us forward today.”

Media are invited to attend an interview opportunity with NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy, AFN Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse and AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. Please call to confirm your attendance.

DATE: Thursday May 13, 2010

TIME: 5:45pm - (media availability)

LOCATION: Valhalla Inn,
1 Valhalla Inn Road
Fireside Lounge (off of the lobby)
Thunder Bay, ON

The goal of the Gala, is to raise funds for the Treaty No. 5 Commemoration activities taking place from June 4, 2010 to June 11, 2010, in the communities of Deer Lake and Sandy Lake. Welcoming remarks will be provided by NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy, Deer Lake First Nation Chief Roy Dale Meekis and Sandy Lake First Nation Chief Adam Fiddler.

Treaty No. 5 was signed in September 1875 between the Dominion of Canada and the Saulteaux and Cree nations of northern Manitoba. Treaty No. 5 later expanded its boundary in the years 1876, 1909, 1910 and 1912 and included the remainder of northern Manitoba and the northwest corner of northern Ontario. The Commemoration Gala will bring to light the historical significance of the 1910 Adhesion of Treaty No. 5.

For more information on the Treaty No. 5 Commemoration and Gala, please visit www.treaty5.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities within James Bay Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territory – an area covering two-thirds of the province of Ontario.

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For more information please contact:

Amy Harris
Media Relations Officer
NishnawbeAskiNation
Direct: (807) 625- 4906
BB: (807) 252-2806
aharris@nan.on.ca.

Jenna Young
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
Direct: (613) 241-6789 ext. 401
BB: (613) 314-8157
jyoung@afn.ca.