A Voice for Aboriginal people in Ontario April 12, 2012 Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on LinkedIn Email For Immediate Release April 12, 2012 OTTAWA – “The need for rebuilding and renewal in Ontario is imperative” says Chad Cowie, the Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission. “With Harper’s Budget, Attawapiskat and the hundreds of other Aboriginal communities across the country can no longer afford to be without a voice.” “The Conservatives have demonstrated how they intend on dealing with Aboriginal people – jets over schools, jails over health care, third-party managers instead of actual housing…it’s all indicative of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s do-nothing approach when it comes to strengthening the relationship” says Cowie. The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission (Ontario) will be hosting it’s Annual General Meeting in conjunction with the Liberal Party of Canada (Ontario) at the Toronto Sheraton Centre in Toronto, ON, Friday, May 4th through till Sunday, May 6, 2012. To Jaime Koebel, the Interim President of the APC (O), a renewed Aboriginal Commission in the province means more than just electing new people to existing structures. “Things like recognizing traditional territory, or having Elders open and close meetings at Liberal functions, these are not just token gestures, but powerful actions that demonstrate respect and recognition and foster greater awareness of Aboriginal culture and people.” There are approximately 300,000 Aboriginal people in the province – or about 2% of Ontario’s population – and understanding the diversity of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit communities is key. “We want to promote that diversity; we’re looking for committed and active individuals to provide us with the advice and awareness necessary for meaningful contributions at the both the provincial and federal levels” says Koebel. “We’ve drafted a constitution that needs to be ratified, we need more people to do the important outreach and policy work that is necessary for rebuilding” says Darren Harper, Vice-President of Organization & Membership for the APC. “There are many ways to collaborate as Aboriginal Peoples and we’re looking to build a successful and inclusive team approach to accomplish this.” Available APC (O) Executive positions include: APC (O) President APC (O) Women’s Representative APC (O) Youth Representative Northern Regional Representative Eastern Regional Representative Central Regional Representative South-Central Regional Representative Toronto Regional Representative South-Western Regional Representative “A proactive approach will ensure that genuine changes for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people in Ontario are realized” says Koebel. “The APC (O) will be the example that other provinces follow.” – 30 – To view the DRAFT Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission (Ontario) Constitution, click here. For more information on the Liberal Party of Canada (Ontario) AGM, click here. For more information on the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission, contact: Kevin Seesequasis Vice-President (Communications) Contact Us