Treaty #3 signs cooperation agreement with Ontario government

The Grand Council of Treaty #3 has signed a partnership agreement with the Ontario government, pledging to work together on improving quality of life while promoting economic development.
The bilateral agreement, signed on Oct. 25, addresses four areas including Anishinabe education, children and youth issues, health and economic sustainability.
Treaty #3 Grand Chief Warren White said the signing advances earlier commitments the two governments had made to each other.
“The signing reaffirms our commitment to working with Ontario to ensure our Treaty #3 communities have the opportunity to participate in economic development in our territory,” White said in a press release.
The signing is the third between the two parties. A letter of intent to work together was signed in 2009 at Mitaanjigamiing First Nation, and a letter of commitment was signed at Waabigon Saaga’iganiig in 2010.
“I look forward to building on our accomplishments to date, and to enhancing opportunities for cooperative work,” said Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Minister Michael Gravelle. “Together we can continue to support a strong future for these communities.”
MNR and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines also signed a separate letter of commitment with Treaty #3. The two ministries agreed to work with the Grand Council on “practical approaches to economic development and management of natural resources.”
Grand Council Treaty #3 will meet annually with representatives from the Ontario government to continue discussions and review progress.
Earlier this year Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs minister Kathlene Wynne also met with the youth council of Treaty #3, in a three-hour session that was lauded by both sides.
The youth expressed their concerns with education, language loss and the challenges in getting good jobs in the region once they finish school.
In a statement, Wynne said the signing of the bilateral agreement will help Ontario and Treaty #3 Grand Council work together on dealing with some of the issues brought up by the youth council.
“Through collaboration, we can make a real and tangible difference in the lives of Treaty #3 youth, families and communities,” Wynne said in a statement.