Supplied by the Batchewana First Nation…
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Batchewana First Nation and the Association of Iroquois Indians have successfully secured the bid to host the 45th Annual All Ontario Chiefs Conference (AOCC) scheduled for June 11, 12, 13, 2019. The conference will take place at the GFL Memorial Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie, ON and conference coordinators expect 300 delegates from across Ontario.

The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and secretariat for collective decision-making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nations communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario. The AOCC is a forum that brings over 300 delegates including First Nations leadership, Chiefs, Proxies and Government representatives to discuss key policy and legislative issues.

“On behalf of Batchewana First Nation it is my pleasure to welcome each of the delegates participating in the 45th Annual All Ontario Chiefs Conference to our beautiful Ojibway Territory. We are humbled to be chosen as the host community and are honoured to be part of a forum that facilitates decision making, action and advocacy for each of the 133 First Nations in Ontario. The discussions that will take place over the next week during the conference are of the utmost importance to our people and our future generations said Chief Dean Sayers.

Today to kick of to the conference Batchewana Chief and Council hosted the “O Gimaa Gizzhgat” Golf Tournament at the Silver Creek Golf Course in neighbouring Garden River First Nation.

BFN leadership viewed hosting this important gathering as an opportunity to showcase their beautiful territory. The first evening of the conference (June 11, 2019) BFN will be offering a Fish Tug Boat Tour of Lake Superior and fish fry to registered delegates which will provide the opportunity to take in the gorgeous views at the Obadjiwan Reserve located 70km north of Sault Ste. Marie.

The second evening of the conference (June 12, 2019) delegates are invited to attend the, “Our Lands Gala” at the Rankin Arena. Participants will enjoy a catered dinner, live band and cocktails. The Gala will be an opportunity for BFN to share their unique perspective the First Nation takes with respect to land, policy, and the transformation of legal language pertaining to First Nations inherent rights.

In closing Chief Sayers added, “I commend everyone attending the conference on dedicating themselves to the hard work that lies ahead. We look forward to sharing and showcasing all that our beautiful home at the heart of the Great Lakes has to offer!”.

The Conference is open to the general public but there is an admission fee. For more information please visit the Chiefs of Ontario website: www.chiefs-of-ontario.org