The accord signed by Wynne and Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day in a ceremony at the legislature creates a formal bilateral relationship between the government and First Nations.

It affirms that First Nations have an inherent right to self-government and that the relationship with Ontario is based upon respect for that right.

It also commits the signatories to work together on a range of issues, including resource benefits sharing and jurisdictional matters.

Chief Day calls the accord “the most important collective milestone in modern times,” and says it will help advance First Nations jurisdiction and Treaty rights on their terms.

Wynne says the accord is an important step in revitalizing First Nations communities that will make a real difference in the lives of people across the province.