b'FROM THE COOS DESKCreating Renewedand Prosperous Economies for our Future GenerationsTRACY ANTONE S hekoliOn behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat, I am pleased to welcome you to this Chief Operating Officer, Chiefs of Ontarioedition of the Chiefs of Ontarios official magazine, Advocate. On behalf of everyone here at the Chiefs of Ontario, we are proud of the continued success of Advocate as a source of information, inspiration and advocacy. The theme of this edition of AdvocateEconomic Developmentis especially fitting, as First Nations communities and businesses represent a significant and growing sector of Canadas economy. In this edition, you will find critical pieces on First Nations citizens in Ontario asserting their inherent rights and responsibilities to preserve and protect our territories, lands and waters while working to achieve economic self-sufficiency and self-determination.This edition also features the important work of First Nations Leadership and their successes and achievements to generate employment, improve education and skills, increase sustainable develop-ment and, in turn, improve the socioeconomic conditions of their communities and build prosperous communities for future generations. Other highlights in this issue include the $25-million investment by the Government of Ontario to strengthen economic development opportunities for First Nations in Ontario by building ties with surrounding economies, industries and business partners, and a recap of the Chiefs of Ontario Fall Chiefs Assembly, held in Toronto, Ont. in November 2022. Overcoming barriers to economic development in First Nations communities is essential to achieving economic reconciliation and improving socioeconomic outcomes for First Nations peoples and all Canadians. Improving issues such as child welfare, community health and well-being, and housing and infrastructure requires concrete action and a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship based on self-determination and the recognition of rights, respect, trust, cooperation and partnership.Strategic relationships are essential in ensuring First Nations can build the capacity to implement their vision of self-determination. To achieve this, the provincial and federal governments must accel-erate their efforts to strengthen relationships with First Nations and invest in new services and supports for children, youth and families. Ultimately, First Nations need the tools and resources to respond to the complex issues that arise within their communities in a timely and efficient manner.First Nations youth are the future leaders of their communities and Canada. I applaud the work of First Nations Leadership for their dedication to creating opportunities for them to continue to grow and shape their futures. As we move into a new year, the Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat will continue to work with First Nations Leadership to advance our collective priorities and drive our innovative solutions forward through a strategic, collaborative and community-led approach with all levels of government. It is with this in mind that I encourage everyone in Canada to mark May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to honour all lives lost and those whose lives have been forever changed by violence toward Indigenous women, girls and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. I also encourage all to mark June as National Indigenous History Month and June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations in Canada. We hope you enjoy this edition of Advocate, and we hope you will stand in solidarity with First Nations in Ontario in the vital work they are doing to protect our lands and promote prosperity for all.Yaw^ko 12l I ssue2 2022/23C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'