OTTAWA, ONTARIO — An historic Gathering between the Crown and First Nations concluded last week.  The Gathering provided a unique opportunity for the Government of Canada and First Nation Chiefs to celebrate the enduring importance of their relationship, take stock of the progress that has been made and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“I was honoured to be a part of the Crown – First Nation Gathering as Master of Ceremonies,” said MP Greg Rickford, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “It was a pleasure to be joined by fellow Kenora riding residents and Treaty #3 members who performed the drum ceremony.”

“We have seen the results of our renewed relationship in the Kenora riding; new schools, new police stations, community centers, water treatment plants, new housing, and broadband access to numerous communities, just to name a few accomplishments,” said MP Rickford.  “We have built effective working relationships with First Nations in the Kenora riding, and after today’s Crown – First Nations Gathering, I am confident that those relationships will be strengthened even further.”

The Gathering in the National Capital Region was attended by a delegation of First Nation Chiefs from across the country in addition to the Governor General of Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada and 11 Federal Ministers. These Ministers took the opportunity to participate in discussions with delegates on a wide range of issues of importance to First Nation communities.

In addition to keynote addresses by the Prime Minister of Canada and the Governor General of Canada, participants engaged in productive, focused discussions on key issues and shared priorities relating to three main themes: Strengthening the Relationship and Enabling Opportunity; Unlocking the Potential of First Nations Economies; and Realizing the Promise of First Nations Peoples.