Canada and Carrier Sekani First Nations advance reconciliation with signing of Letter of Understanding

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

News release

January 23, 2019 — Vancouver, BC — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership is key to achieving reconciliation.

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, seven Carrier Sekani First Nations, and the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council have signed a Letter of Understanding (LOU) signalling their commitment to renew and strengthen their nation-to-nation relationship and advance reconciliation between Canada and the Carrier Sekani Peoples.

The parties will now work towards developing a framework that will outline priority topics and key components to support the negotiation of a Comprehensive Intergovernmental Agreement between Canada and Carrier Sekani First Nations.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is working collaboratively with the Carrier Sekani Peoples to build a new relationship and make real progress on the issues most important to them. This is a key step in our journey together towards reconciliation and self-determination for the Carrier Sekani."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"The Carrier Sekani First Nations have worked tremendously hard over many decades towards self-determination and decision-making. We honor our leaders who have and continue to dedicate their lives for us to be here today. The Carrier Sekani Peoples are committed to making reconciliation a reality with Canada, with Minister Bennett and with all Canadians. We have much work to do, so let's get to it."

Deputy Tribal Chief Reg Mueller

Quick facts

  • The Carrier Sekani First Nations that have signed this LOU are: Nadleh Whut'en, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Saik'uz First Nation, Stellat'en First Nation, Takla Lake First Nation, Tl'azt'en Nation and Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation (Burns Lake Band).

  • The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous communities at about 75 discussion tables across the country to explore new ways of working together to advance the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination. These discussions represent more than 390 Indigenous communities, with a total population of more than 800,000 people.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002

Media Relations  
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Media Relations
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

Mina Holmes
Work Cell: 250-617-2348
Reconciliation Table Manager
CSFN/CSTC


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