b'MESSAGE FROM THE ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEFThe Path toTrue Economic Self-SufficiencyROSEANNE ARCHIBALD Ontario Regional ChiefG reetings! Welcome to the sixth edition of theis to provide guidance and advocacy resources to help official Chiefs of Ontario magazine, Advocate.First Nations and their communities achieve economic As Ontario Regional Chief, I would like toself-sufficiency. As Ontario Regional Chief, my goal is to send my warm regards to our readers andcontinue to support and coordinate a forward-looking those who have graciously donated their time to ensuringsolutions approach that can assist First Nations with this edition is a success.moving beyond a government-funded economic base, June 2019 marks a year since taking office with theand ultimately secure true economic self-sufficiency that Chiefs of Ontario. It has been a memorable and fulfillingis done with the protection of the environment and in year for me and for the organization; despite the chal- a sustainable, responsible manner, ensuring our rights lenges faced on a national and provincial level, I amand treaty agreements are respected and based on their excited to present a renewed vision of transformation andsurrounding economies and resources. moving forward, together.Accompanied by the Chiefs in Assembly during the In this edition of Advocate, you will find key piecesrecent April 2019 Special Chiefs Assembly, we passed focusing on the economic development of First NationsResolution # 10/19 titled Drafting of Economic within Ontario, while touching on resource revenueFramework for Consideration by Leadership. Article sharing, wealth creation, sustainability, energy and natural21 of the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of resource development, and how we, as Nations, can moveIndigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) states that Indigenous forward together and improve overall economic and socialpeoples have the right to the improvement of their conditions for First Nations in Ontario, as well as globally.economic and social conditions, including, inter alia, in The cornerstone to self-governing Nations is athe areas of education, employment, vocational training sustainable economic base. Being a part of the wageand retraining, housing, sanitation, health and social economy allows families and communities to build pridesecurity without determination. With the passing of this through a strong work ethic that has always existed in ourResolution, Chiefs of Ontario will begin exploring options people. Further, when communities build wealth, theyfor a proposed policy framework for economic develop-almost always invest in local programs and services thatment in Ontario that will make recommendations as to: encourage growth and independence, and so the cycle ofincreased access to capital options, creating opportunities wealth and prosperity continues to grow.for wealth-based development to occur in the spirit of our Over the last year, the Chiefs of Ontario has madetreaties, and more. addressing the systemic barriers that prevent First NationsChiefs of Ontario will continue working toward fully from accessing opportunities that will secure greaterdeveloping this framework to advance our communities economic independence a key priority. With recentin our goal to gain full sovereignty and self-determination; provincial budget cuts and policy changes, we havewe will deliver a developed report and update at the next adjusted First Nations regional priorities with a principle- Special Chiefs Assembly in fall 2019. based approach to relationship building. As First Nations calls have often been an afterthought for ProgressiveAs Chiefs of Ontario continues to evolve and create its Conservative governments, we must continue to be strongown distinct path, we hope this edition of Advocate can be in having our voices heard, not only on a regional levela hub of information and provide insights and informa-but nationally, while also taking a diplomatic approach totion for communities to utilize and amplify their own advocacy and future funding opportunities.initiatives. I am excited for what lies ahead, as we continue While health and resiliency are tied to prosperity andto focus on advancing our youth and communities.wealth building, one of my key goals within my mandateNinanaskamon10l ISSUE 1 2019C hIEfS ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazInE'