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November 24, 1999
(Executive Council)


Province, federal government, Innu Nation outline interim steps to address issues confronting Innu communities

The following statement was issued today following a meeting between Premier Brian Tobin; Robert Nault, federal minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development; and Peter Penashue, President of the Innu Nation to discuss First Nations Equivalency for the Labrador Innu and other related matters:

Today, the Innu Nation, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador reached agreement in principle on next steps to provide the Innu of Labrador with the tools necessary to address the issues confronting their communities.

Peter Penashue, president of the Innu Nation, Chief Paul Rich of Sheshatshui, Chief Mark Nui of the Mushuau Innu, Premier Brian Tobin, and federal Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Robert Nault committed to pursuing the following interim steps, to be taken pending the conclusion of an Innu land claim and self-government agreement.

1. The province will facilitate the transfer of the land occupied by the communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish to Canada. Canada will then make this land available to the Innu. These lands will eventually form part of the settlement of the Innu land claim.

2. Canada will cover the costs of Innu educational programs. Canada and the province will work together with the Innu to transfer control for these programs to the Innu.

3. The parties will conclude an agreement on aboriginal policing as soon as possible. The province will use the savings it realizes from current education costs for aboriginal policing. Any additional savings will be invested in community priorities to be agreed upon by the parties.

4. The parties will work to put in place the necessary legal arrangements for Innu governance to give effect to these arrangements.

5. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will establish an office in Labrador, whose role will include working with the Innu to assist them in taking on these responsibilities.

6. All parties reaffirm their commitment to the expeditious conclusion of an Innu land claim and self-government agreement.

 

Media contact:

Heidi Bonnell
Office of the Premier
(709) 729-3564
Kelly Acton

Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
(819) 997-0002

Innu Nation
(709) 497-8398

1999 11 24                     4:15 p.m.


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