Ottawa, Ontario (June 5, 2009) - The following statement was released by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians:
"I want to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to Nellie Cournoyea, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and to the Inuvialuit people on the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.
The Inuvialuit Final Agreement was one of the first of its kind and it led the way for other land claims. This historic agreement recognizes the Inuvialuit's rightful place in the Canadian Confederation and honours the importance of their culture and traditional way of life.
Under the agreement, the Inuvialuit have also been able to take advantage of new opportunities in non-traditional areas such as natural resources like oil and gas, economic development and land development.
Canada remains committed to working with the Inuvialuit and the territorial governments to make progress on shared objectives."
Ted Yeomans
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non- Status Indians
(819) 997-0002
