Miawpukek, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador begin self-government negotiations

CONNE RIVER, NL (December 9, 2004) - At a community feast today, the Miawpukek First Nation, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador celebrated the beginning of formal self-government negotiations.

�This is a great day for Miawpukek First Nation,� said Chief Misel Joe. �We have long sought to assert our autonomy and self-determination, and the goal of a formal self-government agreement actually preceded our recognition under the Indian Act. Although there is still a lot of negotiating work to come, I am glad that we have reached this milestone.�

�The Government of Canada recognizes that governance is a key component in the development of prosperous First Nations communities,� said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for M�tis and Non-Status Indians. �That is why I am thrilled we are embarking on these comprehensive self-government negotiations with the Miawpukek First Nation and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Enhancing the decision-making powers of communities, and strengthening the relationships between governments, are the first steps to addressing the gaps which exist between First Nations and other Canadians.�

�This initiative is consistent with Government's objective to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities and the Government of Canada so that Aboriginal people can realize their desire to become more self-reliant. The Province is pleased to be a party to these negotiations and I look forward to a speedy conclusion to the framework agreement� said the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

At the negotiating table, Miawpukek First Nation, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are currently discussing the content and form of a Miawpukek Self-Government Framework Agreement. The framework agreement will set out the subject matters to be negotiated in an Agreement-in-Principle and eventual Final Agreement. The parties are targeting the completion of a Framework Agreement in mid-2005. Negotiating sessions will take place in Conne River, St. John�s, Ottawa and Halifax.

For more information, please contact:

Chief Misel Joe
Miawpukek First Nation
(709) 882-2470

Diane Laursen
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 994-2044

Lori-Lee Oates
Director of Communications, Aboriginal Affairs
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-3015