Ref. # 2-3320
Ottawa, Ontario (February 23, 2010) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians; Mr. Pierre Corbeil, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs for the Government of Quebec; Innu First Nation Chief Denis Ross of Essipit; Chief Gilbert Dominique of Mashteuiatsh; and Chief François Bellefleur of Nutashkuan, met today to discuss comprehensive land claim negotiations with the two levels of government.
At this meeting, the parties renewed their commitment to the negotiations with the intent of reaching a final agreement that substantially complies with the general Agreement-in-Principal that was signed in 2004. All parties stressed that since June 2006, progress has been made at the negotiating table.
"Canada is committed to reaching an agreement with the Innu and the Government of Quebec soon. The spirit of co‑operation at the negotiating table is what will allow us to make concrete progress toward reaching an agreement that benefits all," stated Minister Strahl.
"This meeting is a concrete example of the dialogue and respect which are the foundation of constructive discussions and facilitate fruitful collaboration. I welcome the openness of each party involved in this negotiation, and I hope that our recent progress will result in an agreement in the near future that is beneficial for all," said Minister Corbeil.
"We are happy to see the commitment of the governments to sign a treaty at the earliest opportunity. This commitment renews the trust of our people as well as the negotiation team which works very hard to be able to propose a concrete result – a promising way for the future of our youth and future generations. We invited Minister Strahl to consider the current negotiation process with an open mind and new ideas. This is how we envision a treaty that would substantially comply with the general Agreement-in-Principle that was signed in 2004. Consequently, today's meeting reassures us of the will of the federal government to conclude an historical agreement with our First Nations," concluded Chiefs Denis Ross, Gilbert Dominique and François Bellefleur.
Following this mutual commitment, the Innu Chiefs and both ministers agreed to meet periodically to review the progress of these negotiations. The next meeting will be scheduled for this fall.
The three Innu First Nations of Essipit, Mashteuiatsh and Nutashkuan have mandated the Mamuitun mak Nutashkuan Tribal Council to act on their behalf in these negotiations with Canada and Quebec in order to reach an agreement with the federal and provincial governments. With a total membership of about 6,000, these three Innu First Nations are located in Quebec in the administrative regions of Saguenay‑Lac‑St‑Jean and Côte‑Nord .
Minister's Office
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Press Secretary
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Government of Quebec
Office of the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
Hélène Sauvageau
Press Secretary
418-646-9131
Mamuitun mak Nutashkuan Tribal Council
Florent Bégin
Responsible for Communications
418-275-7796
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