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OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper has agreed to meet with aboriginal leaders on Jan. 11 to discuss their ongoing treaty concerns and to soothe rising tensions.

Earlier this week, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo asked Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston to meet with chiefs on Jan. 24 Ñ the one-year anniversary of Harper’s summit in Ottawa with aboriginal leaders — to help end ongoing hunger strikes and address lingering treaty issues.

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Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence has been on a hunger strike since Dec. 11 in hopes of forcing Harper into talks with aboriginal leaders. Spence said a late-January gathering was not satisfactory and demanded on Thursday that the prime minister meet with her within 72 hours.

A spokesperson for Spence said Friday she will continue her hunger strike until the Jan. 11 meeting, which she is expected to attend.

After days of mounting tension and protests, Harper issued a written statement Friday confirming he is willing to see the aboriginal leaders next week.