MEDIA RELEASE: MATAWA CHIEFS COUNCIL MAKE IT OFFICIAL BOB RAE TO BE FIRST NATIONS’ NEGOTIATOR FOR RING OF FIRE NEGOTIATIONS WITH ONTARIO

Thunder Bay, May 10, 2013 – The Matawa Chiefs Council announced today that the Honourable Bob Rae, former federal leader of the Liberal Party and former Premier of Ontario, will be Chief Negotiator for Matawa First Nations during regional strategy negotiations with the Province of Ontario.

The Chiefs met with Mr. Rae this week to talk about regional and local issues, and to discuss the next steps in regards to proposed negotiations with the Province. Mr. Rae will tour all of the Matawa First Nations over the next few months and meet with the community members.

Although there has been no official response to the Chiefs’ proposal for a regional strategy negotiation framework, which was presented to the Premier on March 6, 2013, the Chiefs are moving ahead to prepare for the negotiations. The Chiefs reiterate their call for both levels of government to ensure that EA processes in their traditional territories provide for full participation by First Nations in a culturally appropriate manner and in their native languages.

For more information contact:

Chief Sonny Gagnon, Aroland First Nations – Cell: (807) 620-7195 Band Office: (807) 329-5970
Chief Roger Wesely, Constance Lake First Nation– Cell: (705) 373-0419 Band Office: (705) 463-2222
Chief Harry Papah, Eabametoong First Nation– Cell: (807) 630-7096 Band Office: (807) 242-7221

Chief Celia Echum, Ginoogaming First Nation– Cell: (807) 854-8940 Band Office: (807) 876-2422
Chief Elijah Moonias, Marten Falls First Nation– Cell: (807) 620-3297 Band Office: (807) 349-2509
Chief Peter Moonias, Neskantaga First Nation– Cell: (807) 621-3611 Band Office: (807) 479-2570

Chief Johnny Yellowhead, Nibinamik First Nation– Cell: (807) 630-6005 Band Office: (807) 593-2131
Chief Allan Towegishig, Long Lake #58 First Nation– Cell: (807) 987-3986 Band Office: (807) 876-2292

Chief Cornelius Waboose, Webequie First Nation– Cell: (807) 621-1970 Band Office: (807) 353-5251

Anita Fraser, Matawa Communications Manager-Cell:(807) 621-1220 Office: (807) 346-3677
Grace Winter, Matawa Communications Officer- Office: (807) 346-6517