Dawson City, Yukon (July 26, 2010) – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Government of Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Ruth Massie and chiefs from self-governing Yukon First Nations gathered today for an Intergovernmental Forum in Dawson City.
The Intergovernmental Forum provides an opportunity for Canada, Yukon, and self-governing First Nations to affirm their partnerships around the implementation of land claims and self-government agreements, discuss areas of mutual interest, and advance intergovernmental relationships.
“I was pleased to be in the Yukon again to meet with the other governments for the Intergovernmental Forum,” said Minister Strahl. “During this meeting we had an opportunity to meet face-to-face and continue to build on our strong working relationship. We also took the opportunity to further our discussion on issues relating to both the implementation of land claims and self-government agreements and economic development in the Yukon.”
“Participating in the Intergovernmental Forum confirms a commitment by all of our governments to discuss issues related to the implementation of Final and Self-Government Agreements,” said Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie. “The discussions today focused on ways to work together to advance Yukon's economic and social development, and governance priorities.”
The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation hosted the Intergovernmental Forum in Dawson City. “We were pleased to host the Intergovernmental Forum,” said Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Chief Eddie Taylor. “It's great to have the opportunity to raise our issues directly with Minister Strahl and Premier Fentie. We expect to see positive results going forward.”
“I was happy to participate today in my first Intergovernmental Forum as Grand Chief,” said Grand Chief Massie. “We were able bring forward and discuss some key issues for Yukon First Nations related both to the implementation of the Agreements and to First Nations involvement in economic development initiatives.”
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Press Secretary
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Pauline Frost
Director, Self Government Secretariat
Council of Yukon First Nations
867-335-8089
Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-633-7949
Wayne Potoroka
Communications Director
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in
867-993-7158
