A major organizations of Ontario First Nations is a step closer to self-governance.
The federal government's signed a proposed governance agreement with the Anishinabek Nation, which represents 40 First Nations across the province, including the local Michipicoten First Nation and Ojibways of Garden River.
It builds on last year's Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement, which recognizes Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over education on-reserve from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 for 23 First Nations, along with administrative control over funding for post-secondary education.
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare and federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett signed the new governance agreement on Friday, formally launching the Anishinabek First Nations approval process - so far, 20 Anishinabek Nation First Nations have committed to holding a community vote, including Michipicoten First Nation.
If ratified, it would be the first Indigenous self-government governance agreement in Ontario.