CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND (December 1, 2007) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, Brian Francis, Chief of the Abegweit First Nation and Darlene Bernard, Chief of the Lennox First Nation today signed the Canada/Prince Edward Island/Mi’kmaq Partnership Agreement.
“By signing this Partnership Agreement, our Government demonstrates its commitment to strengthen the relationships between all parties and establish an effective process in areas of mutual concern such as education, health, child and family services, justice and economic development,” said Minister Strahl. “This agreement will assist in improving the quality of life, in the long term, of the Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island.”
“This is an historic day for Prince Edward Island Mi’kmaq as this agreement will help First Nations Governments and their communities reach their full potential,” said Chief Brian Francis of Abegweit First Nation.
“This new agreement represents a new relationship with the Federal and Provincial Governments that is built upon respect, good faith and partnership, which should lead to a positive future for Island Mi’kmaq,” said Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation.
“It is an honour to sign this agreement on behalf of the government of Prince Edward Island,” said Premier Robert Ghiz. “The economic progress in Abegweit and Lennox Island First Nations demonstrates that an expanding Aboriginal economy extends to all Islanders. I look forward to a strengthened relationship with Chief Bernard and Chief Francis, and to working together for the benefit of the Mi’kmaq of our province.”
Over the past few years, the parties met to build relationships and discuss how to move the tripartite process forward. This partnership agreement is a result of those discussions. The agreement establishes an effective process to make progress in areas of mutual concern such as education, health, child and family services, justice and economic development.
For further information please contact:
Minister's Office - INAC
Philippe Mailhot
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Office of the Attorney General, Prince Edward Island
Connie McNeill
Communications Officer
902-368-5829
Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island
Dennis King
Communications Officer
902-367-3660
