Native Organizations have Mixed Tone to Rickford Appointment as Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

#LSN_News Swearing in of Priemier and Cabinet

TORONTO, ONTARIO - June 30, 2018  (LSN) The Regional Cheifs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation, have taken a differant tone when it come to the Appointment as the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
 

Both Media Releases are below:

The Regional Cheifs of Ontario Media Release:

The newly elected Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald attended the swearing in of a new Ontario government. Premier Doug Ford and 21 members of his Cabinet, which includes Greg Rickford as the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

 

“On behalf of the 133 Chiefs in Ontario, I look forward to working closely with Premier Ford and his new Cabinet,” said Regional Chief Archibald. “I am disappointed that there is no longer a Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. However, I am heartened by the fact that Greg Rickford will include the portfolio in his other responsibilities.   

 

“As the MPP for Kenora—Rainy River, Minister Rickford is by far the best choice to work with our Peoples. He has worked as a nurse and lawyer in our communities and has a deep knowledge and understanding of our Peoples and the issues.

I was accompanied by one of our strong leaders, Six Nations Chief Ava Hill.

 

 

All of our Chiefs and portfolio holders at the Chiefs of Ontario look forward to working with all the new Ministers on pressing matters such as child welfare, health, housing, infrastructure, natural resources, the list goes on. Above all, we must continue to build our Nations, focus on our own law-making, and inherent and Treaty Rights.

 

As the new Regional Chief, and with a new government, there is an opportunity to begin a brand new relationship based upon a heart-centred, peaceful approach.  To paraphrase Premier Ford today, we must do better for our Peoples. Together, we will continue to walk along the path of Reconciliation.”

Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald

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Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Media Release 

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler has released the following statement regarding the new provincial cabinet announced by Premier Doug Ford today:

“Collapsing the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation into a joint ministry with Energy, Northern Development and Mines sends a clear signal that improving relations with Indigenous Peoples is not a priority for the Ford government. It is difficult to see how progress can continue to be made when our interests are reduced to only be of importance insofar as they relate to the government’s ability to access the resources within our lands. This government is advised that any effort to undermine the Treaty, ancestral or territorial rights of NAN First Nations will be decisively fought at both the political and legal levels. Our leaders are united in their resolve to protect and assert our rightful authority and jurisdiction over our homelands.”

NAN First Nations are fully prepared and committed to defending their homelands and assert their rightful jurisdictions and authority.