CALGARY, ALBERTA (January 14, 2005) - A two-day gathering that brought together over 100 representatives of federal, provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal organizations and communities from across the country, drew to a close today in Calgary. At the session, participants shared their views and discussed options for establishing more effective policies and processes for addressing Aboriginal and treaty rights, including the resolution of land claims and the implementation of self-government. "The important discussions undertaken over the last two days will inform the renewal of policies and processes to facilitate progress at negotiation tables across the country," said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Settling outstanding land claims and implementing Aboriginal self-government through negotiated agreements is key to achieving reconciliation with and renewing relationships between the Crown and Aboriginal peoples. Negotiated resolutions build new partnerships and promote economic opportunities for Aboriginal people that help to improve their quality of life and strengthen the self-sufficiency of their communities." This session is the fifth of six follow-up sectoral sessions to the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable held on April 19, 2004. The Roundtable was an unprecedented gathering of Ministers, Parliamentarians and Aboriginal leaders where new ideas to develop stronger, healthier and economically self-reliant Aboriginal peoples and communities were discussed. The focus of the sectoral follow-up sessions is on the themes of life-long learning, housing, economic opportunities, negotiations and accounting for results. The sessions have been jointly planned by the federal, provincial and territorial governments, along with the five national Aboriginal organizations and will conclude at the end of January. The desired outcomes identified by the roundtable process are expected to be discussed at a policy retreat with the Prime Minister, Ministers, national Aboriginal leaders and provincial/territorial governments in the spring. With its Aboriginal, provincial, and territorial partners, the federal government is committed to finding ways to improve its existing policies and processes and to ensuring that all Canadians live harmoniously in healthy, prosperous communities. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Diane Laursen INAC Media Relations (819) 994-2044
