ONTARIO ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS SECRETARIAT

Ontario-First Nations Chiefs Meet At Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation

            Ramsay Talks Consultation With Chiefs Of Ontario

            SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON, June 27 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is pleased to

launch discussions on new draft Aboriginal Consultation Guidelines at the

annual All Chiefs Conference at Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation

today.

            "Today's meeting with First Nations leaders marks the beginning of a

substantive engagement process for Ontario to begin receiving input on

Ontario's new draft Consultation Guidelines," said David Ramsay, Minister

Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "These guidelines will help bring clarity

to the process for consultation with Aboriginal peoples."

            The draft Guidelines were distributed to the Aboriginal community and

non-Aboriginal stakeholders on June 20, 2006. Ontario's draft Guidelines will

assist provincial ministries in their consultations with Aboriginal peoples on

matters related to constitutionally protected Aboriginal rights and treaty

rights.

            "Our government is depending on the input and advice of Aboriginal

communities to make these draft guidelines successful," said Ramsay. "Together

with First Nations leaders we are committed to strengthening our

relationships."

            Last year, the McGuinty government launched its New Approach to

Aboriginal Affairs to build relationships with the Aboriginal peoples in

Ontario and help strengthen their communities. As a result, a new relationship

based on co-operation and mutual respect is evolving between the Ontario

government and Aboriginal communities and organizations. The development of

draft consultation guidelines was a primary commitment made by the province

under its New Approach. The draft Aboriginal Consultation Guidelines are

available on-line at http://www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca .

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/For further information: Anne-Marie Flanagan, Press Secretary to

Minister Ramsay, (416) 327-0654; Merike Nurming, Communications Branch, (416)

326-4079/