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NLIS 10
April 28, 2005
(Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs)
Self-government Framework Agreement and Land Transfer Agreement
for Miawpukek First Nation
(Conne River, NL) - Today, representatives from the Miawpukek First Nation, the
Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador signed the
Miawpukek First Nation Self-Government Framework Agreement and announced an
Agreement of Land Transfer for the expansion of the Samiajij Miawpukek Reserve.
�The vision of the Miawpukek First Nation self-government is to make us an even
stronger government for Miawpukek First Nation members by enhancing our existing
strengths that will ensure continued prosperity for Miawpukek,� said Saqamaw
Misel Joe, Miawpukek First Nation. "The Land Transfer Agreement represents very
significant progress in our relationship with both levels of government (federal
and provincial). This relationship has taken many years to build and it is hoped
that it will continue to get stronger as we continue to work together to ensure
a better future for all. This agreement will provide Miawpukek with the land
resources to resolve our current residential land shortage and to initiate
growth as a community through internal and external economic development
ventures.�
�Miawpukek is beginning to build its own government. When this process is
complete, the First Nation will have greater jurisdiction and forge a brighter
future for its membership in the community,�said Senator Joan Cook on behalf of
Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and federal
interlocutor for M�tis and Non-Status Indians. �The Government of Canada looks
forward to this journey toward a new government-to-government relationship.�
�Our government is pleased this first stage of negotiations is complete,� said
Tom Rideout, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador. �The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador looks
forward to strengthening our positive relationship with the Miawpukek First
Nation as we negotiate the agreement-in-principle. Our government is also
delighted with the conclusion of the land transfer agreement which represents a
significant step toward the expansion of the Samiajij Miawpukek Reserve.�
"Government is extremely pleased to conclude the transfer of land from the
province to the federal government that will see the expansion of the Samiajij
Miawpukek Reserve for the economic benefit and social well-being of the
Miawpukek First Nation,� said Tom Osborne, minister responsible for Crown land.
�The expansion of the Samiajij Miawpukek Reserve will help create a more
prosperous and self-reliant future for the people of Conne River. We are indeed
delighted to be part of such a significant milestone for the Miawpukek First
Nation.�
The Self-Government Framework Agreement marks the beginning of a process
determining the Miawpukek First Nation law-making powers, including how they
will manage their resources, preserve their culture and broaden economic
development opportunities. It will foster an autonomous and accountable First
Nation government and also set the stage for enhanced relationships with
neighbouring communities.
The Land Transfer Agreement provides for the transfer of land, from the Province
of Newfoundland and Labrador to Canada, to be set aside as reserve land for the
use and benefit of the Miawpukek First Nation. Once the land is transferred and
granted reserve status, the addition will expand the Samiajij Miawpukek Reserve
by approximately 2,331 hectares. This will allow for additional housing
development and the pursuit of economic development opportunities.
Miawpukek First Nation is located 224 km south of Gander and has a population of
approximately 800 living on the reserve and a population of approximately 1,500
living off-reserve.
Media contact:
Saqamaw Misel Joe
Miawpukek First Nation
(709) 882-2470
Margot Geduld
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 994-2044
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications, Aboriginal Affairs
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-3015
2005 04 28
7:30 p.m.
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