b'MESSAGE FROM THE ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEFStrengthening First Nations Through Economic DevelopmentGLEN HARE Ontario Regional ChiefA anii, Boozhoo, Kwekwe, Shekoli, Sekoh, Waachiyaa!With great pride, I welcome you to another edition of the Chiefs of Ontarios official magazine, Advocate. As Ontario Regional Chief, I would like to extend my regards to all of our readersboth first-time and returnand those who have worked tirelessly to ensure this edition is a success. First Nations in Ontario have been advocating for economic reconciliation and to be full participants in the provinces social, cultural and economic landscape for decades. For many years, First Nations business development focused on local opportunities such as retail stores, gas stations and other on-reserve companies. More recently, First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs have begun to expand into other industries, and they are now a key driver of growth, job creation and prosperity and play a vital role in strength-ening the economy of Ontario and Canada as a whole.In this edition of Advocate, you will find captivating stories of First Nations busi-nesses, entrepreneurs, organizations and communities who find unique opportunities throughout Ontario to grow their success and economies. These stories include businesses such as aaniin and Treeteas Brewing Co., which represent essential examples of balancing the preservation of ancestral traditions and cultural knowledge with establishing long-term success and sustainability. This edition also highlights trade and entrepreneurship training opportunities avail-able to First Nations in Ontario, which aim to build capacity, close socioeconomic gaps, reduce barriers and increase access to capital by forging partnerships to increaseeconomic opportunities. Closing the socioeconomic gap is a shared responsibility. Part of that work includes supporting First Nations-led solutions, investments and commitments in training, skill development and innovation initiatives that will help deliver local projects, jobs and economic development opportunities to First Nations communities across the region. That is why, in this edition, we have featured the $25 million in new investments announced by the Government of Ontario in 2022, which was designed to promote inclusive, sustainable and innovative growth for our shared economy and provide a concrete pathway for First Nations to reach their economic development goals.Economic development changes lives and families. We must work together to ensure Ontarios and Canadas economies work for all. This includes investing in First Nations economies to build new opportunities and sustainable jobs to ensure all can thrive.I look forward to continuing our important work on the shared priority of achieving economic growth for First Nations and all Ontarians, and strengthening our growing relationship with the province.10l I ssue2 2022/23C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'