June 30, 2015 - Penticton, BC - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, welcomed today the Penticton Indian Band to the First Nations Land Management Regime. Attended by community members and representatives from the Lands Advisory Board, today's celebration signals the beginning of a new land management era for the First Nation.
The First Nations Land Management Regime replaces 32 land-related sections of the Indian Act with respect to land, the environment, and most resources. This is a practical step towards self-government, increasing First Nations' responsibility to manage their land and to take advantage of economic opportunities.
Supporting and expanding the First Nations Land Management Regime is a key component of the Harper Government's commitment to unlocking the economic potential of First Nations. As announced in Budget 2015, the Government will provide $30.3 million over five years, which is expected to lead to an additional 25 First Nations joining the First Nations Land Management Regime.
"Over the last 15 years of land governance experience through the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management (Framework Agreement), cumulative investments on operational First Nation reserves are now estimated at approximately $270 million, with thousands of on-reserve jobs having been created for both members and non-members. There is absolutely no doubt that the Framework Agreement is working for our First Nations and for Canada as a whole! Framework Agreement signatory First Nations are forging new partnerships with their neighbors, businesses, investors, bankers as well as with all levels of government. The Lands Advisory Board and the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre have worked diligently towards providing support to the Framework Agreement signatories and towards creating opportunity for all First Nations in Canada to pursue this initiative, if they so desire. My great appreciation goes out to Minister Valcourt and his staff for working with us to see the addition of Penticton Indian Band to the Framework Agreement. On behalf of the Lands Advisory Board, and the Framework Agreement signatory First Nations, we welcome Penticton Indian Band and look forward to the prosperous future ahead of them."
- Chief Robert Louie,
Chair, First Nations Lands Advisory Board
Emily Hillstrom
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
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