Prime Minister Stephen Harper has agreed to meet with aboriginal leaders next Friday to discuss their ongoing treaty concerns and to soothe rising  tensions.

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

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 this statement today confirming he is willing to see the aboriginal leaders next  week.