WHITEHORSE, YUKON (November 12, 2004) -- Kwanlin Dün First Nation members and beneficiaries have ratified their Final and Self-Government Agreements in a vote held November 5 and 6. "Kwanlin Dün First Nation people have made the choice to take responsibility for our future," Chief Mike Smith said. "We look forward at this time to pass on our legacy to future generations. We're marking a new beginning for our people in economic prosperity, cultural strength and our rights under the law, which will be accepted and respected by other governments." "The Government of Canada believes that the land claim and self-government agreements support an independent, strong and vigorous Kwanlin Dün First Nation that will share Canada's prosperity," said the the Honourable Andy Scott Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "I would like to express my appreciation for the hard work of the Ratification Committee, and all Kwanlin Dün First Nation members and beneficiaries who participated in the ratification process." "Because of its work, the Kwanlin Dün First Nation has now achieved the ability as a self-governing First Nation to be a full partner in economic development opportunities, manage its resources and provide programs and services to its people," Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie said. "This claim was particularly challenging because of its complexity and urban nature, but thanks to the Kwanlin Dün leadership and its innovative approach, we are able to proceed for the benefit of not only First Nations, but all of the Yukon's people." "I would like to congratulate the people of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the federal and territorial governments for the immense amounts of work and conciliation that went into these historic agreements," said Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell. "This historic arrangement will provide certainty not only for Kwanlin Dün but also for all the people of the Yukon and will move the economy forward to greater prosperity." This evening the Ratification Committee confirmed that approximately 86 per cent of eligible voters have cast ballots, with approximately 53 per cent of all eligible voters approving the Kwanlin Dün First Nation agreements. To be ratified, 50 per cent plus one of the eligible voters who could be located had to approve the package. The Kwanlin Dün First Nation is the largest Yukon First Nation and an amalgamation of many Yukon First Nation cultural groups. The Kwanlin Dün First Nation's ancestral lands comprise a large area in the south central Yukon, including the City of Whitehorse. Its traditional territory extends from the lower end of Marsh Lake to Lake Laberge and downriver to Hootalinqua. The Kwanlin Dün First Nation takes its name from one of its village sites located below the White Horse rapids, which was known as "K'wan'dlIn." Kwanlin Dün means "people of the rapids." Under its land claim agreement, the Kwanlin Dün First Nation will receive approximately 1040 square kilometres of settlement land, along with approximately $28.72 million in financial compensation. It will also receive a one-time payment of $5.67 million for economic development, training and education projects. This news release is also available on the Internet at Government of Yukon: http://www.gov.yk.ca/news/. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Shirley Bien Kwanlin Dün First Nation (867) 633-7812 Samantha McCulloch Communications Government of Yukon (867) 667-5341 Katy Mead Communications Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (867) 667-3803 Backgrounder
