Ref. #2-3465
TESLIN, YUKON (February 21, 2011) – An historic agreement that will recognize the Teslin Tlingit Council's jurisdiction to administer justice was signed by the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie, and Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC) Chief Executive Officer Peter Johnston at a ceremony today in Teslin.
The main features of the agreement include the power to impose penalties for violations of the Teslin Tlingit Council legislation; appoint individuals to enforce and prosecute violations of these laws; and establish a Peacemaker Court to adjudicate violations and to reconsider decisions made by the Teslin Tlingit Council's government officials or administrative bodies.
Under its self-government agreement, the Teslin Tlingit Council will be able to enact laws in the areas of jurisdiction outlined in the self-government agreement. Examples include: adoption; inheritance; wills; solemnization of marriage; management, control and protection of Settlement Land; rights and interests on Settlement Land; natural resources; gathering, hunting, trapping or fishing; protection of fish, wildlife and habitat; prevention of overcrowding of residences/buildings; and planning, zoning and development. The TTC Administration of Justice Agreement ensures that the TTC, through its Peacemaker Court, can resolve or adjudicate disputes or violations under these laws.
"This momentous Administration of Justice Agreement demonstrates our Government's commitment to working with willing partners to bring lasting change to benefit First Nations," said Minister Duncan. "We look forward to working with the Government of Yukon and other Yukon First Nations on similar agreements."
The Teslin Tlingit Council Administration of Justice Agreement will be the first such agreement to come into effect in Yukon. This agreement will apply to all TTC citizens and non-TTC citizens residing on or visiting TTC settlement land.
"I am proud of the efforts made by so many people to get us to this place today," Premier Fentie said. "This historic agreement guarantees the Tlingit people an opportunity to provide their own vision for how justice will be administered on their lands and for their people."
"The Teslin Tlingit Council has worked relentlessly to conclude this agreement, the foundation of which is in the Teslin Tlingit Council constitution," said Chief Executive Officer Johnston. "The Administration of Justice Agreement ensures that the Teslin Tlingit Council now has the legislative, executive and judicial powers over its self-government jurisdictions, enabling us to further enshrine the Tlingit way of life into everything we do. We look forward to working with Canada, Yukon and our Citizens to continue advancing our social, economic and constitutional visions."
Through this agreement, certain areas in the administration of justice will be based on traditional Teslin Tlingit processes for resolving disputes. The Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon are currently entering into negotiations to achieve similar agreements with other self-governing Yukon First Nations.
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Emily Younker
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-633-7961
emily.younker@gov.yk.ca
Ian Freeman
Communications Coordinator
Teslin Tlingit Council
867-390-2532 ex 225
ian.freeman@ttc-teslin.com
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Description: News releases and speeches on current and historical matters relevant to Aboriginal people and Northerners.
