Government to transfer land to the federal government for reserve creation at Sheshatshiu

Tom Rideout, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, today announced that the provincial government has agreed to transfer the necessary Crown lands to the Government of Canada for the creation of a reserve for the Innu First Nation at Sheshatshiu, in Labrador.

Minister Rideout said, "This is a very important step toward the establishment of a reserve at Sheshatshiu. It is not the final step as the Government of Canada still has to approve the reserve creation. However, the province agreeing to transfer the necessary Crown lands is a critical part of the process which has now been completed."

This step provides for the land to be set aside for the use and benefit of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation. The granting of reserve status by the federal government will then enable the band to pursue housing developments and economic development opportunities on the reserve. They will also have access to all the rights and privileges that go along with being recognized as a reserve by the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs.

Chief Anastasia Qupee acknowledged the dedicated efforts of Minister Rideout and his staff at Aboriginal Affairs towards reserve creation for Sheshatshiu Innu. She said "The signing of the Sheshatshiu Land Transfer Agreement by the province represents a significant milestone in the reserve creation process." The chief noted that the Williams government made a commitment to the Sheshatshiu Innu in 2004 to expedite both land rights and reserve creation and that she is pleased that government is making good on that commitment. The final steps to create the reserve rest with Ottawa and she hopes for completion before the end of this year.

"This is a great day for the Innu of Labrador as they strive for greater sovereignty and financial self-sufficiency," said Minister John Hickey, MHA for Lake Melville.

"Our government has made great strides in advancing a number of files that will lead to an improved quality of life for the Aboriginal peoples of the province," said Minister Rideout. "This includes the completion of the Labrador Inuit land claim, fast-tracking negotiations with the Innu Nation and federal government on the Innu land claim, reserve expansion at Conne River and entering into self-government negotiations for the Conne River Miawpukek First Nation.

"We are committed to ensuring all Aboriginal peoples, throughout the province, have access to the tools that are necessary for them to create a more prosperous and self-reliant future. Steps like the transfer of provincial Crown lands for the establishment of reserves are an important part of achieving this goal."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403, oatesll@gov.nl.ca.

2006 09 08                                            12:40 p.m.