NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION
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The Governments of Ontario and Canada are committed to working with First Nation partners to promote healthy and prosperous First Nation communities.
Today, the Governments of Ontario and Canada and the Kashechewan First Nation announced the signing of a Framework Agreement that will support a sustainable future for the roughly 2,300 First Nation members of the Kashechewan First Nation community.
Specifically, the tripartite agreement commits the parties to the development of an action plan to support the short, medium and long-term sustainability of the community, with a focus on improving outcomes in priority areas including housing, socio-economic sustainability, health programs and facilities, infrastructure development and schools and community facilities.
This collaborative initiative supports a better future for the people of Kashechewan First Nation and will include consideration of options for relocation of the community.
A steering committee comprised of representatives of Kashechewan First Nation, Ontario's Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and Health Canada will provide general oversight and guidance on the action plan when developed.
The committee will provide an annual report to parties on the progress made under this Framework Agreement.
Quotes
"We are coming together to create the foundation for a sustainable future for the Kashechewan First Nation. This agreement is an important collaboration between the federal and provincial governments and the First Nation to provide on-the-ground support for its members."
— Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
"Health Canada is committed to working in partnership with the leadership of the Kashechewan First Nation, the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), and the Government of Ontario to ensure that Kashechewan community members have access to quality healthcare. Together, we are addressing the social determinants of health to ensure better outcomes for the community."
— Jane Philpott, Minister of Health Canada
"I am pleased that our federal and provincial Treaty partners have reached this framework agreement with Chief and Council as a way to address many urgent and long-standing issues in Kashechewan First Nation. This Nation-to-Nation relationship will help build a more sustainable community, and is a positive step towards reconciliation."
— Alvin Fiddler, Grand Chief, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
"This is a very exciting moment for the Kashechewan First Nation. After many years of struggle, we are partnering with the Governments of Canada and Ontario to help my people. We will work together to ensure that we provide the proper tools to become successful and role models for the future generations."
— Leo Friday, Chief, Kashechewan First Nation
Quick facts
- Kashechewan First Nation is located on James Bay in Northern Ontario. As of February 2017, the Fort Albany and Kashechewan First Nations had a total registered population of 4,992, with 3,108 people on reserve.
Additional resources
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