WATSON LAKE, YUKON (August 18, 2008) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced funding for a project that will improve business and employment opportunities for the Liard First Nation in Watson Lake, Yukon.
"Our Government is taking real action to support initiatives like these that lead to concrete economic an d social benefits for Aboriginal and Northern communities," said Minister Strahl. "This is one of the main goals of our integrated Northern Strategy."
The Liard First Nation Development Corporation (LFNDC) receive s $245,000 over two years through Canada's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initi ative on behalf of the First Nation to negotiate a Socio-Economic Participation Agreement (SEPA) with Selwyn Resources Ltd. Through this agreement the First Nation will be able to maximize socio-economic benefits from resource developmen t in their traditional territory. The agreement could include jobs, training, contracts, and small business opportunities.
"I am delighted with this decision to support our partnership with Selwyn Resources," said Lia rd First Nation Chief Liard McMillan. "We're committed to working with Selwyn Resources to ensure that opportunities for education and training are in place to provide a skilled labour force to fill many of the human resource needs that will be required by the mining company. These funds will greatly support our vision for a healthier, productive community through a diverse work force and the royalty benefits that will accrue from resource development on Kaska trad itional territory."
"Selwyn Resources is very pleased to learn of the announcement of the support of the Ministry of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in providing funding to the Liard First Nation to participat e in the negotiation of a Socio-Economic Participation Agreement with Selwyn for the development of its Selwyn Project that straddles the Yukon and Northwest Territories border," said Justin Himmelright, Vice President of Environmen t and Community Affairs, Selwyn Resources. "We are pleased that the Liard First Nation have this financial support to allow the timely completion of the SEPA and we look forward to the commencement of formal negotiations with them a nd their participation in the development of this project."
Today's announcement reinforces the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing an integrated Northern Strategy that strengthens Canada's Arctic sovereignty, pr otects our northern environment, promotes northern social and economic development and improves and devolves northern governance.
Backgrounder - Socio-Economic Participation Agreement Between Liard First Nation And Selwyn Resources
For further information please contact:
Shari-Lynn MacLellan
Se nior Communications Advisor
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada – Yukon Region
867-667-3848
Alex Morrison
General Manager
Liard First Nation Development Corporation
867-668-6850 or 332-7848
am_lfndc@yahoo.ca
Minister's Office
Josée Bellemare
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Justin Himmelright
Vice President of Environment and Community Affairs
Selwyn Resources Ltd.
877-682-5474 or 604-682-5474
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
