March 18, 1999
(Executive Council)

Premier supports Innu bid for status under Indian Act

Premier Brian Tobin offered his support today to Chief Paul Rich and the Innu of Labrador in their efforts to gain status under the Indian Act.

"We support the Innu request for registration and urge the federal government to exercise its full fiduciary and constitutional responsibilities," said the premier.

The premier offered to assist in the transition to federal/Innu jurisdiction of the communities of Davis Inlet and Sheshatshiu.

"The province would also like to assure the Innu and federal government that a decision on registration and the creation of reserves will not prejudice the land claims negotiations," Premier Tobin said.

Meanwhile, Premier Tobin corrected an inaccuracy in earlier media reports on the Innu statement. "An impression was given in the news media that $9 million is provided to the province by the federal government for programs and services for the Innu," said the premier. "This is not correct. The province receives approximately $160,000 from the federal government as a contribution to the province's health care costs for the Innu. All other programs and services are paid for from general revenues."

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, (709) 729-3654.

1999 03 18                           5:00 p.m.