OPW Connects: Meaningful Engagement with Indigenous Communities

The WIFN community is nestled between Ontario and Michigan at the mouth of the St. Clair River. Bkejwanong (meaning where the waters divide) has been occupied by First Nation peoples for thousands of years, it is today home of Ojibwa, Potawatomi and Ottawa as represented by the WIFN - The Council of Three Fires. Dean Jacobs will draw upon his over five decades of public service working to help protect natural and cultural heritage and promote community well being of the WIFN within its homeland. The presentation will address standards of the duty to consult and the duty to negotiate. This presentation chronicles the pre-Confederation Treaties between the British Imperial Crown and the ancestors of the Walpole Island while addressing “Truth & Reconciliation” based on mutual trust and respect. It is a story of about how WIFN navigates today’s sovereign realities through asserting Indigenous governance while appreciating the importance of relationship to land, honoring our Treaties and the value of meaningful partnerships. Register Here.

---

---

Meet Dean M. Jacobs, Senior Advisor, Walpole Island First Nation: Dean has worked over 51 years for the Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) and now, specializes in Land Claim and Hosting Agreement negotiations. He is an Adjunct Professor, Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Western University. A prize-winni ng author (Canadian Historical Association “Indigenous History Best Article – 2021”). Served on numerous Boards including University of Windsor (Board of Governors), International Joint Commission (Great Lakes Water Quality Board & Research Managers Council), Ontario Heritage Foundation and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (Mexico/USA/Canada). Dean is a former Chief of the WIFN. He is the recipient of two eagle feathers and three honorary doctorate degrees.

---

Register Here.