NORTH BAY – The Anishinabek First Nation held a forum on October 22 at Nipissing University in North Bay.

The forum focused on land, resources and economic development.

With a Liberal government back in power in the form of a minority, First Nations in attendance were optimistic their voices will be heard in Ottawa.

"I went to sleep at 9 p.m. and knew it was going to be a long night. I woke up at 12:30 and looked at the numbers and slept like a baby," said Glen Hare, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief.

Hare is part of the Indigenous Forum held at Nipissing University with a goal to build working relationships between First Nations, industries and the government and gather local and regional priorities and concerns within separate Indigenous communities.

"Were at a very crucial time when we talk about the environment and climate change and everything that's going on, and with the election being over now, we can do some business at our tables," he said.

Canadians elected a Liberal minority government to represent them for the next four years.

Whether the Liberals will see out their full term is a whole other question, but Hare is thrilled with the results saying First Nations will have a chance to express their concerns regarding things like the Ring of Fire and access to clean drinking water.

87 long-term water advisories in Indigenous communities have been lifted by the Liberals, but many remain.

"At one point I was very hurt when I heard that we were a threat. Who are we a threat to? We want to work with everybody. That's the only way we can move forward. If we're just going to think and talk, I don't want to be part of it," explained Hare.

"Hopefully with a minority some of these other problems that weren't fixed, they'll work together in partnership to help the First Nations," said James Marsden, Alderville First Nation.

Young Indigenous members say now is the time to meet with federal politicians.

"You can see the shift and they're starting to listen," says Pierre Debassige, M'Chigeeng First Nation.

Hare adds that "we are just as important, all our people and our committees every day not just every 4 years."

56 long-term boil water advisories remain.

The Liberals promised in 2015 to eliminate all of them by 2021.

Hare is hopeful the NDP will hold the Trudeau Liberals to account to fix the water issue on reserves.