OTTAWA, December 8, 2004 -- The United Anishnaabeg Councils (UAC) and the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development today announced the successful conclusion of negotiations and the start of the ratification phase on the first self-government agreement in Ontario - the Anishnaabe Government Agreement (AGA). A ratification vote by each of the four First Nations of the UAC is expected to take place early in the summer of 2005. "An incredible amount of time, energy and hard work has gone into this process," said Val Monague, Chief of the Chippewa Nation of Beausoleil. "I pay tribute to the people who have supported this process and thank them for helping us achieve our vision." "This agreement is about providing a future of hope and pride for our young people," said Keith Knott, Chief of the Mississauga Nation of Curve Lake. "I'm proud of what we have done and I look forward to seeing what the next generation can do free of the constraints of the Indian Act." "With the AGA our governments will be a reflection of our people, of our unique hopes and desires," said Elizabeth Sandy, Chief of the Pottawatomi Nation of Moose Deer Point. "Self-government means restoring our authority to govern ourselves and take control of our own future." "The AGA has been more than 20 years in the making," said Greg Cowie, Chief of the Mississauga Nation of Hiawatha, "and I'm looking forward to taking this to my community for ratification." "I'm pleased that the negotiators for the parties have recently initialed the supporting agreements, which deal with implementation and fiscal transfer matters, thus bringing the negotiation phase to a close," said Minister Scott. "As we look forward to ratification, it is important to acknowledge the strong new partnership that we've been building through all of our hard work and co-operative dialogue at the negotiating table." The AGA reflects and affirms the historic alliance of the approximately 4,200 members of the Chippewa Nation of Beausoleil, the Mississauga Nations of Curve Lake and Hiawatha, and the Pottawatomi Nation of Moose Deer Point. It is the first self-government agreement in Canada outside of a comprehensive land claim or treaty that includes a regional form of government. For these four First Nations, the AGA will replace most of the Indian Act, laying the groundwork for a new government-to-government relationship between Canada and the First Nations to better reflect today's realities. The AGA recognizes First Nation law-making authority in 13 areas, ranging from membership, language and culture to economic development and public works. It will foster autonomous and accountable First Nation government and also sets the stage for an enhanced relationship with neighbouring communities. "This agreement shows what can be achieved when Canada and First Nations sit down to negotiate a new government-to-government relationship," said the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka. "All parties should be congratulated for their hard work and accomplishments." "I would like to commend the First Nations for their determination to bring self-government to their communities," said Peter Adams, Member of Parliament for Peterborough. "Today, Canada and the First Nations have taken a very important step toward a brighter and more prosperous future for all concerned." Member of Parliament for Simcoe North, Paul DeVillers added: "By increasing the First Nations capacity to direct their own affairs, this agreement will create new opportunities for economic development and business partnerships through which the First Nations can more fully participate in the economic growth of the region and Canada." The next step in the process is the launch of a six-month ratification process, starting in early January and culminating in a vote this summer. If the members of the four First Nations ratify the AGA and the accompanying agreements, the Government of Canada must then pass enabling legislation before the AGA can come into force. - 30 - For further information: Diane Laursen INAC Media Relations (819) 994-2044 Richard Aniol Executive Negotiator United Anishnaabeg Councils (519) 274-3834 This news release and backgrounders on the AGA and the ratification process, along with a Frequently Asked Questions document, are also available on the Internet at: www.inac.gc.ca or www.uac.org
