OTTAWA, ONTARIO (May 10, 2013) – The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today on the passing of Joseph Riche, ex-Grand Chief of the Innu Nation in Labrador:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Joseph Riche, who passed away this week.
Joseph Riche leaves a strong legacy behind him. He was instrumental to the Labrador Innu Comprehensive Land Claim and Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle and for five years he was Sheshatshui’s co-chief negotiator before being elected as Grand Chief of the Innu Nation in September 2010. It was as Grand Chief that he signed their Land Claim and Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle, the Upper Churchill Redress Agreement and the Lower Churchill Innu Impact and Benefits Agreement, collectively known as Tshash Petapen, or the New Dawn agreement, in 2011.
It is clear that his memory and work will live on in his community and all Canadians should be grateful for the efforts he made to improve the lives of his community.”
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
