NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO – In a virtual meeting with Doug Ford, Regional Chief Glen Hare, M'Chigeeng First Nation facilitated conversations between the regional chief of Ontario and incumbent Progressive Conservative candidate Doug Ford. The various issues raised during this leadership meeting included concerns about the lack of consultation with Indigenous leaders about development projects on Treaty land, providing culturally sensitive services in health care and the job market, and Metis Nation of Ontario encroaching on Treaty right.
Ford led the conversation by addressing the tragedy of Residential Schools and the recent discovery of the remain of First Nations children.
“Recent events have reminded us that Indigenous communities experience unique challenges and continue to confront the realities of historical wrongdoings,” Ford began. “Our province and our country were horrified to learn about the unmarked graves at the site at former residential schools. Young girls and boys were ripped from their families and never had the chance to return home. I can’t imagine the pain the Indigenous people felt and the parents and families who continue to experience it today. I’ll be here to support you as these investments continue.”
Ford says that the province of Ontario has led the country in supporting all the communities with a 20-million-dollar investment in the identification, investigation, protection, and commemoration of burial sites. In addition to the 36 million for community-led mental health services for survivors and 12.8 million for culturally sensitive services for Indigenous people.
“The COVID-19 pandemic also put a spotlight on the uneven access of health care services in Indigenous communities from the very outset,” Ford acknowledged.
The Ford government prioritized the pandemic by initiating a rigorous vaccination campaign across the province to ensure that everyone had access to the COVID vaccine immediately, especially First Nations communities. He acknowledges that it takes a true partnership with First Nation communities to find equitable prosperity for all of Ontario.
“I was so proud to sit down with the Chiefs from Martin Falls and Webequie First Nations to sign a great agreement, and together we announced the collating the planning of the northern road lake project. As part of a historic partnership with the province, this road will be a corridor to prosperity that will connect communities’ families and businesses throughout the north. It will help bring historic benefits for Indigenous communities, “said Ford on the Northern Road Lake Project that will lead to the Ring of Fire.
After Ford’s introductory remarks, the discussion with the Chief of Ontario began with Chief Collins of the Fort William First Nation proposing two insightful questions to PC candidate Ford. The first is if the Ford government will make a policy that includes a partnership agreement with Indigenous communities to allow a share of profit and employment.
Ford said, “I am a strong believer that everyone gets a slice of the pie. No matter if it the revenue, infrastructure, sharing of electricity, waterway power, and the East-West tie, that connects 17 communities and get them off diesel which is absolutely critical.”
The second question from Chief Collins was about securing funding for disabled youth entering the workforce.
Ford responds, “Kids with special needs, even adults with special needs, need to be a part of the community and have gainful employment as well. As I always say, as long as they’re physically able to do it, we are going to work with them and make sure they are part of any project.”
In Couchiching First Nations, Chief Brian Perrault told Ford that the Progressive Conservative Party is not the first choice for many in the community. He states that many First Nations people were left out of the conversation regarding treaty rights under the Harris government.
Doug Ford made a point to say, “how do I say this with respect to other parties? Just don’t put me in the square box, this conservative group. I’m Doug Ford, that’s it. Just call me Doug, so if you need me, just call me, and I’ll help you out.”
Chief Perrault smirks and gives his apparition before asking Ford about addressing section 35 of the Canadian constitution, which states “the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed. In this Act, “Aboriginal peoples of Canada” includes the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.”
Chief Perrault takes issues with the Metis Nation of Ontario being constituted as treaty members and asks if Ford will commit to addressing that the Metis Nation of Ontario has treaty rights without having a treaty.
Ford had no response to this question.
However, this race will turn out, it seems that Ford has First Nations people’s best interests at the forefront of his political platform. Then again, traditionally, what looks good on paper doesn’t always look good when the paper hits the ground.
