So, the provincial government and Chiefs of Ontario have signed a political accord. Now what?

That’s the question asked by some following the announcement of a formal bilateral relationship between Ontario’s government and First Nations.

The accord affirms that First Nations have an inherent right to self-government, and it commits both sides to work together on a range of issues, including resource benefits sharing and jurisdictional matters.

But some feel the agreement is still rather vague.

“I’m unsure as to what [the accord] means in concrete action,” says Kandice Baptiste, a senior project coordinator at the Council of Ontario Universities and a Tyendinaga Mohawk.

“All these words sound wonderful; however, unless tied to specific action or agreements outside of this, that’s all they are — words.”

Premier Kathleen Wynne says there is no blanket definition of self-government for First Nations, and it will have to be determined as issues such as education, social services and resource revenue sharing are dealt with.

One of the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was to add the history of Treaties, residential schools and First Nations history to Ontario’s education curriculum, which Wynne says will be done.

The Premier has suggested starting by introducing Treaty maps into classrooms. Baptiste has questions about how that plan would be implemented:

“To me, that’s great, and that’s something that I would focus on; however, if the teachers aren’t trained to use the Treaty maps in their classrooms, or if they just become a poster on the wall, then is that really educating non-Indigenous people about the history in Ontario?”

National Chief Perry Bellegarde is applauding the move, calling it a “commitment that First Nations leaders in Ontario are now part of the decision-making process, consistent with First Nations rights and Treaties.”

“This shows that First Nations and governments can work together to build success for all their citizens in a way that respects and honours First Nations rights,” Bellegarde says.

Baptiste adds that despite her reservations, she feels it’s a good step.

Wynne says the accord is an important step in revitalizing First Nations communities, but admits in some cases the relationship with government will have to be built almost from scratch.

Chief Isadore Day has said the issues surrounding Ontario’s energy sector will serve as a test of the newly-committed relationship.

With files from the Canadian Press.