April 22, 2014 - Ottawa, ON - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Bernard Valcourt, and Chief Freeman Ward of the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation celebrated with members of the community today and signed an agreement that settles the First Nation’s 1895 Surrender Specific Claim.
Negotiated settlements help rebuild relationships and generate benefits for all Canadians. These benefits include economic benefits, new opportunities for business partnerships and certainty for First Nations, industry and area communities.
Specific claims deal with the past grievances of First Nations relating to outstanding obligations under pre-1975 treaties. Settling these past grievances through negotiations is key to achieving reconciliation and rebuilding relationships with First Nation people in Canada. For more information on the progress made to date, please go to this site.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Councillor Tracy Anne Cloud
Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation
506-625-8362
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