2-02469WHITEHORSE, YUKON (February 10, 2004) -- The Kluane First Nation's land claims and self-government agreements came into effect on Monday, February 2, 2004, with the passage of an Order-In-Council by the Government of Canada. The agreements were signed by representatives of the Kluane First Nation, the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada on October 18, 2003 in Burwash Landing."We are looking forward to taking on the new challenge of developing our own government with the guidance of our citizens," said Bob Dickson, Chief of the Kluane First Nation."February 2, 2004 is our Adàka (a new day), now we will begin to manage our own affairs by Honouring our Past and Strengthening our Future. Many people have worked very hard to realize this day and to them we are thankful.""On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate the Kluane First Nation on this significant milestone in their final and self-government agreements," said the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Andy Mitchell. "This achievement underscores the Government of Canada's commitment to working with First Nation communities in improving the quality of life of First Nations people." "Though a number of land claims milestones have been met and surpassed by Kluane First Nation, Feb. 2 is the true beginning of their journey to greater independence and self-reliance," Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie said. "I look forward to working in partnership with Yukon's ninth self-governing First Nation in charting the path for Yukon's future.""I am happy to congratulate the Kluane people for having reached this historic achievement", added Larry Bagnell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Yukon."The coming into effect of the agreements will provide Kluane First Nation with the tools necessary to help build a stronger community for generations to come."Under these agreements, the Kluane First Nation retains approximately 913 square kilometres (352 square miles) and receives approximately $13.45 million, adjusted for inflation, over the next 15 years. The First Nation will also receive an additional one-time payment of $2.99 million as a result of the Government of Canada's decision to effectively re-index compensation dollars. The Kluane First Nation also receives approximately $4.54 million for economic development, training and education projects from the federal government's Strategic Economic Development Investment Fund.The agreements provide the Kluane First Nation with new law-making authority and more effective tools to manage and protect its land and resources, preserve and enrich its culture and way of life, and enhance the economic growth and well being of its community. This is the ninth set of agreements to come into effect under the Yukon First Nation Land Claims Settlement Act, 1994 and the Yukon First Nations Self-Government Act, 1994. As a self-governing First Nation, Kluane will join other self-governing Yukon First Nations as a full participant in the next Intergovernmental Forum. The purpose of the Intergovernmental Forum is to give members an opportunity to work cooperatively to implement the First Nations' self-government and final agreements and establish a vision of future governance in the Yukon. This news release is also available on the Internet at Government of Yukon: http://www.gov.yk.ca/news/. For further information, please contact:Robin BradaschChief NegotiatorKluane First Nation(867) 841-5501 Samantha McCullochCommunications OfficerExecutive Council OfficeGovernment of Yukon(867) 667-8850Katy MeadCommunications OfficerIndian Affairs and Northern Development CanadaYukon Region(867) 667-3803
