WHITEHORSE, YK, October 22, 2005 -- The Carcross/Tagish First Nation,
the Government of Canada, and the Government of Yukon signed land claim and
self-government agreements in a ceremony today in Carcross, Yukon Territory.
The Carcross/Tagish First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements are
expected to come into effect early in 2006.
"The team and community effort to get to this point in time has proven to
be a huge task. It has not been without its pains and tribulations," said
Khâ Shâde Héni Mark Wedge, Carcross/Tagish First Nation. "I trust our
ancestors are looking down and celebrating this accomplishment with us today.
I hear the people expressing the need to move forward and to continue our
building and healing process."
Under the terms of their self-government arrangement, the Carcross/Tagish
First Nation will have a wide range of law-making powers. These include laws
that apply to Settlement Land, as well as laws that will apply to
Carcross/Tagish First Nation citizens who live outside the Yukon.
"The Carcross/Tagish First Nation's land claim and self-government
agreements are the beginning of a new government-to-government relationship
and a stronger, more forward-looking partnership," said the Honourable
Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal
Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians. "These agreements represent an
important achievement for the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and for Canada.
They help fulfill Canada's commitment towards building practical, effective
and flexible self-government arrangements that meet the needs and aspirations
of the Carcross/Tagish people."
Under its land claim agreement, the Carcross/Tagish First Nation will
retain approximately 1560 square kilometres (603 square miles) of settlement
land along with approximately $38.8 million in financial compensation over
fifteen years, another $5.28 million as a "re-indexation" payment, less the
loan repayment amounts for land claim negotiations and the elders benefit
program. Carcross/Tagish First Nation will also receive a one-time payment of
$5.6 million for economic development, training and education projects.
"These agreements will bring real and meaningful benefits to all of us --
Carcross/Tagish First Nation members, Yukoners and all Canadians alike," Yukon
Premier Dennis Fentie said. "It provides for certainty and creates clarity for
the future. It will allow us to build on the partnerships we have established
and to work towards economic growth and healthy communities."
"The self-government agreement will provide the Carcross/Tagish First
Nation with tools to renew its historical self-reliance, to protect its land,
language and way of life, and to strengthen its economy and community," said
Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon. "The progress the
Carcross/Tagish First Nation has already made on governance has put the
community on a path to self-reliance and a brighter future."
Once the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Final and Self-Government
Agreements are brought into effect, the next phase begins for the parties
which includes implementing the many provisions contained in the agreements.
This news release is also available on the Internet at Indian and
Northern Affairs Canada: http://www.inac-ainc.gc.ca or Government of Yukon:
http://www.gov.yk.ca/news/ .
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For further information:
Corinne Carvill
Carcross/Tagish First Nation
(867) 821-4262
Samantha McCulloch
Communications Officer
Executive Council Office
Government of Yukon
(867) 667-5341
Katy Mead
Communications Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(867) 667-3803
