https://news.ontario.ca/maa/en/2015/11/ontario-mushkegowuk-council-strengthen-treaty-relationship-with-new-agreement.html

Bulletin

Ontario, Mushkegowuk Council Strengthen Treaty Relationship with New Agreement

Province Working with First Nations Communities to Increase Opportunity

The Ontario government and Mushkegowuk Council signed a milestone Treaty Table Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Ontario Legislature that will lead to greater economic opportunity and enable strong, sustainable and self-sufficient Mushkegowuk communities.

The MOU reflects the positive working relationship developed between Ontario and Mushkegowuk Council. It brings the parties together to discuss and explore possible strategies and projects in areas including governance, consultation, resource benefit sharing, economic development and sustainability working within the Treaty Relationship. This will support full participation by the Mushkegowuk First Nations in the social, cultural and economic life of the province.

Ontario is also providing more than $190,000 over two years from the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund to help Mushkegowuk Council implement an educational program that will help give First Nations students the tools they need to participate in resource development opportunities. The program will make data mapping, including provincial Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), part of the curriculum at Mushkegowuk schools. The project will help train 45 teachers and 537 students.

Improving socio-economic outcomes for Indigenous communities is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Quick Facts

• Mushkegowuk Council represents seven First Nations which are mostly situated on the James Bay coast. Thirty-three per cent of Indigenous people in Ontario are located in northern Ontario.
• The AEDF is investing $25 million over three years in Aboriginal businesses and communities. Ontario has also partnered with six Aboriginal financial institutions to deliver the AEDF Business and Community Fund, which provides grants for economic capacity-building projects in Aboriginal communities, and business financing for promising community projects and Aboriginal-owned businesses.