"Rae Pledges Progress on Native Issues"

OHSWEKEN - Premier Bob Rae says his government is committed to making progress on native issues, but native leaders want proof of that commitment before signing an agreement recognizing their inherent right to self-government.

"We are going to do what we can to establish a new relationship and understanding between the government of Ontario and people of the First Nations living in Ontario," the premier said Tuesday.

He was in Ohsweken to speak to about 350 people gathered for the annual Chiefs of Ontario conference.

"In a short nine months, our government has taken steps which no other government in the history of the province has been prepared to do," he said.

"It's not heaven, it's not happening overnight, but I think we've shown good faith and progress."

Premier Rae said they will continue to work on self-government issues, such as control over policing, education and forestry management, while also working to entrench the right to self-government in the Constitution.

He stressed that aboriginal rights will be an "essential" component of any future constitutional reforms, but said it is too early to say what role native people will have in future constitutional negotiations.