This anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on the state of our relationship with the province and the justice system. There have been some positive developments since the release of the Final Report but the bottom line is that the most meaningful recommendations remain unaddressed and combined with the fact that the province walked away from the joint implementation process which has caused First Nations to question whether this government is committed to address the important policy recommendations contained in the report.

In order to ensure the essence of the Ipperwash recommendations remains a priority, a Political Accord between the First Nations and the province was signed to affirmed our commitment to working within a government-to-government relationship that would further frame our joint priorities and actions.

Since the 2014 Ontario election, Premier Kathleen Wynne has committed to making transformative change that would see First Nations leaders as part of the decision-making process and restore the Treaty relationship. Under Resolution, Chiefs of Ontario has been working to keep the Premier to her word. And will do so with the Ipperwash Recommendations.

We will remain active and committed to working with the Ontario government in addressing the recommendations outlined in the Final Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry. And we will continue to remember Dudley George who was a protector of our ancestral lands and a seeker of justice for First Nation people.