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Executive Council
June 21, 2012

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs:

Minister Celebrates National Aboriginal Day

I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize National Aboriginal Day. June 21 is also the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and for generations many Aboriginal people across the country have celebrated their culture and heritage on this day.

Mr. Speaker, today we reflect upon the history and traditions of Aboriginal persons in Newfoundland and Labrador. We observe the contributions made by the Labrador Inuit, the Labrador Innu, members of the NunatuKavut Community Council, the Miawpukek First Nation and the Qalipu Mi’Kmaq First Nation.

Land claims, self-government and other agreements define new and positive relationships between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and Aboriginal groups. We value the positive working relationships we have with Aboriginal organizations in our province.

Mr. Speaker, November 18, 2011 was an important day in history for the Labrador Innu, the Provincial Government and the Federal Government. On this day, the New Dawn Agreements were signed which hold the potential to profoundly and positively impact the future of the Innu in Labrador.

We continue to deliver on the implementation of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and have already begun working with the Nunatsiavut Government on the renewal of the Implementation Plan, as the current plan expires in 2015.

Mr. Speaker, we are finalizing a self-government agreement with the Miawpukek First Nation of Conne River. Our government has also provided support for the registration of the Qalipu Mi’Kmaq First Nation, enabling access to federal programs for over 20,000 people in the province.

An updated Aboriginal Consultation Policy is currently being finalized to guide and facilitate consultation with Aboriginal organizations. This updated policy will advance the relationship between the province, project proponents and Aboriginal organizations as we recognize the importance of having an effective consultation process that engages Aboriginal persons potentially affected by exploration and development in Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, on this National Aboriginal Day, I am proud to be a member of a government that continues to partner with Aboriginal organizations in an effort to advance the social and economic development of Aboriginal communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

2012 06 21             1:45 p.m.

 
 
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