Canada and the Maliseet of Viger First Nation embark on the journey to reconciliation: Conclusion of Framework Agreement to renew the nation-to-nation relationship

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

News release

March 5, 2019 — Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada is working jointly with the Maliseet of Viger First Nation to move forward with reconciliation and to renew the relationship based on recognition, respect, co-operation and partnership.

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Jacques Tremblay, Grand Chief of the Maliseet of Viger First Nation, today announced the signing of the Framework Agreement on the renewal of the relationship between the Maliseet of Viger First Nation and Canada, the first step towards the renewal of their nation-to-nation relationship.

Under this framework agreement, the Maliseet of Viger First Nation and Canada wish to engage in discussions on topics of common interest, such as fisheries, places of interest and Maliseet heritage, and work in partnership with a view to promoting the implementation of the Maliseet right to self-determination and self-government. Through the topics discussed in this agreement, the Maliseet of Viger First Nation wishes to reclaim its heritage by encouraging the involvement of its members.

Quotes

"Today, the Government of Canada and the Maliseet of Viger First Nation signed a Framework Agreement that will renew and strengthen our relationship. The Agreement establishes a process to explore innovative arrangements of which members of the First Nation would be the key beneficiaries. It presents the interests of the Maliseet of Viger in this matter and confirms the commitment of all parties to assert and reconcile the rights of the Maliseet of Viger."

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

"This agreement is an important recognition by Canada of the rights of our First Nation. This is a step forward for our community. We are proud of this joint nation-to-nation commitment to the cultural, economic and social development of the Maliseet Viger First Nation."

Jacques Tremblay
Grand Chief, Maliseet of Viger First Nation

Quick facts

  • The Maliseet of Viger First Nation has more than 1,650 members living off-reserve, scattered throughout Quebec. It has two reserves, Cacouna and Whitworth, both located on traditional territory in the Lower St. Lawrence region.

  • Since 2017, the Maliseet of Viger First Nation and Canada have been discussing an agreement to reconcile Maliseet fishing rights.

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
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

Pascal Dubé
Acting Executive Director
Maliseet of Viger First Nation
428-860-2393

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