NLIS 1
August 2, 2006
(Executive Council)

Premier Williams pays tribute to Innu Nation President Ben Michel

Premier Danny Williams today expressed his condolences to the Innu Nation and to the family and friends of Innu Nation President Ben Michel, who passed away suddenly on August 1.

�I had the privilege of getting to know Ben Michel over the past two years as we worked together to explore new ways to advance the Innu Nation from an era of challenge to a bright new era of opportunity and promise.  President Michel was always deeply passionate about improving both the social and economic circumstances of the Innu people of Labrador by building strong partnerships with the province.  He was a leader with a great vision for his people, and I believe that vision will survive him and be his lasting legacy as others step forward to carry on the building process.

For some three decades, Ben Michel worked vigorously on behalf of Labrador�s Innu people in a variety of roles.  For many years, he made strong, constructive contributions in an effort to progress land claims negotiations with the provincial and federal governments.  Since 2004 as Innu Nation President, he had taken on many difficult issues with integrity, devotion and an attitude of well-founded optimism.  

"His work was energized by a firm belief that the future for Labrador�s Innu people would be brighter as we discovered new ways of working together more effectively," added the Premier.  �President Michel has left a legacy of strong relations between the Innu Nation and our government that we look forward to building upon as we continue to pursue his dream of creating new opportunities and raising the standard of living of all Innu people in Newfoundland and Labrador. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are with President Michel�s family and the Innu people of Labrador at this difficult time.�

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709)729-3960, 351-1227, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2006 08 02                                            8:45 a.m.