Executive Council
December 1, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Ketih Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs:

Minister Recognizes Nunatsiavut Day

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Nunatsiavut Day. On this day in 2005, our province changed forever with the coming into force of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and the creation of the Nunatsiavut Government.

For more than 30 years, the Inuit of Labrador worked towards the conclusion of a land claims agreement which set out a new regime for land ownership, resource sharing and self-government, including Inuit ownership of 15,800 square kilometres of land now referred to as Labrador Inuit Lands.

Mr. Speaker, northern Labrador is both rugged and majestic. It is a place where the Inuit of Labrador travel and harvest the land and the waters. The name Nunatsiavut means “our beautiful land” in Inuktitut and as a land claim beneficiary and former member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly, I can attest to the beauty of this region and its people.

December 1, 2005, truly marked a turning point in our history as Labrador Inuit began to take control of their own destiny. Over the past nine years, the Nunatsiavut Government has made many strides to improve the lives of Labrador Inuit and our government has continued to work closely with the Nunatsiavut Government on matters of mutual interest. These matters have been discussed through various meetings including two joint meetings of the Provincial Cabinet and the Nunatsiavut Executive Council. In fact, a meeting was held just a few weeks ago between Premier Davis, Nunatsiavut President, Sarah Leo, and me on a number of important issues.

Mr. Speaker, it is important that we continue to work together and to further develop a positive relationship between our two governments. I believe that through continued respectful dialogue, we can see our way through any challenges to find opportunities and solutions together.

I would like to applaud the Nunatsiavut Government on another successful year and I look forward to working closely with the Nunatsiavut Government as we seek to further advance issues of importance to the Inuit of Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to join with me in recognizing the importance of this anniversary and in offering congratulations and best wishes to the Nunatsiavut Government and all Labrador Inuit on this very special day.

2014 12 01                                   1:45 p.m.