Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement-in-Principle signed

Representatives of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada and the Labrador Inuit Association gathered in Nain June 25 to sign the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement-in-Principle (AIP).

"Today we mark a significant milestone, as this agreement is the first of its kind in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Premier Roger Grimes. "The signing of this agreement will open the door to new opportunities for social and economic development for the people of this province, particularly the Labrador Inuit. Negotiators for all parties have worked long and hard to reach this point, and they should be commended for their cooperative efforts."

"The signing of the AIP marks an important step forward for the Labrador Inuit, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and indeed all Canadians," said Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

"This agreement signifies our willingness as a society to reconcile historical and cultural differences through negotiation and compromise," Minister Nault said. "We are now one step closer to a land claims and self-government agreement, which will facilitate economic development in Labrador by removing uncertainty regarding title to lands and resources, and will provide the Labrador Inuit with increased self-sufficiency for their communities, and the capacity to build a better future."

Today's signing ceremony, and the release of land selection maps, is another step towards a final agreement on land claims and self government with the Labrador Inuit.

"I am proud to be able to be part of this historic event," said Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ernest McLean. "The signing of this agreement represents the beginning of a new era of cooperation between the province, the federal government and the Labrador Inuit. I am confident a final agreement will pave the way to a bright and prosperous future for all residents of Labrador."

Labrador Inuit Association President William Barbour praised his people's efforts in achieving an AIP. "We would not be here today if it were not for the support, dedication and, above all, the patience of the Labrador Inuit," he said. "I want to thank my people for this. The Agreement in Principle and this ceremony are for them. We now have a land claims Agreement in Principle that has been ratified by the Labrador Inuit, Canada and Newfoundland. A ratified AIP gives us hope for the future and a road map to get to a final agreement as fast as possible."

Chief negotiators for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada and the Labrador Inuit Association initialled the AIP in May 1999. The Labrador Inuit approved ratification of the AIP two months later in July 1999. Negotiations then proceeded to the next stage - the land selection process.

The land selection maps released depict the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area (LISA), which consists of approximately 28,000 square miles (72,520 square kilometres) of land, as well as some 17,000 square miles (44,030 square kilometres) of tidal waters within Canada's 12-mile limit. Within LISA, Inuit will own 6,100 square miles (15,800 square kilometres), known as Labrador Inuit Lands (LIL), where they will have the most rights and benefits. These lands will fall under the management and control of an Inuit Central Government. The final agreement shall provide for the establishment of the Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve of approximately 3,700 square miles (9,580 square kilometres) which is also within LISA. The final agreement will also provide for the establishment of five Inuit community governments, as well as joint fishing and wildlife management boards throughout LISA.

Under the final agreement, the Government of Canada will transfer $140 million to the Labrador Inuit, as well as $115 million for implementation.

The signing of the AIP demonstrates the commitment of all parties to reaching a comprehensive land claims agreement which will establish the foundation upon which all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will build certainty, stability and prosperity.

This news release is also available through the Internet at /releases or at //www.inac.gc.ca

For more information go to: /laa/labradorlandclaims

Media contact:

Bert Pomeroy
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
(709) 896-8668

Nicole Dakin
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 997-8404

Winston White
Labrador Inuit Association
(709) 922-2942

Carl Cooper
Premier's Office
(709) 729-3960

2001 06 26                                                     10:50 a.m.