OTTAWA, ONTARIO (April 20, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend congratulations to our partners, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Gwich’in people and the Government of the Northwest Territories, on the upcoming 20th anniversary of the signing of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement.
The Agreement provides certainty on Gwich’in ownership of approximately 22,330 km2 of land in the Northwest Territories and 1,554 km2 in the Yukon, as well as providing certainty on rights to the land and resources in the Gwich’in Settlement Area.
The Agreement also provides the Gwich’in with increased control and decision-making ability over their land and resources, as well as a share of resource royalties collected in the Mackenzie Valley. The signing of the Agreement was an important step towards achieving further self-sufficiency for the Gwich’in. Together we are building a solid foundation for renewed and lasting relationships.”
Minister's Office
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development Canada
819-953-1160
