Chiefs tackle First Nation issues

More than 30 First Nation chiefs from across Ontario are in Thunder Bay this week to tackle issues facing their communities.

Government funding, education and the ring of fire mining development are some of the areas to be discussed over the three-day gathering. Working together is one of the main focuses of this year's assembly. An area Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy says chiefs need to work together on is developing strategies for the mining exploration area known as the ring of fire.

The group is also expected to develop a response to the provincial and federal budgets, to look at how their communities can be self sustaining and to examine various issues facing their communities. The chiefs will also discuss how they see NAN communities in the future.

Mattagami chief Walter Naveau said he believes an obstacle that has been preventing them to achieve these goals has been a lack of education about the treaty in schools. He said if children had been taught about their rights, culture and traditional values in the past, First Nations wouldn't be struggling like they are today.

The assembly runs until Thursday. Beardy says the chiefs will be passing resolutions throughout the meeting on how to proceed with challenges and opportunities for Nishnawbe Aski Nation.