The following statement was issued today by Tom Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister of Transportation and Works. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise in this honourable house this afternoon to inform members of a significant ceremony I attended last Thursday on behalf of the provincial government at the Samiajij Miawpukek Reserve in Conne River. I, along with my colleague, the member for Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune and Senator Joan Cook, representing the Government of Canada, were there celebrating two momentous occasions; the signing of a self-government framework agreement with the Miawpukek First Nation and the federal government; and the announcement of a Land Transfer Agreement with the Miawpukek First Nation and the federal government to transfer land to the federal government for the purpose of expanding the reserve.

It was roughly a year ago that I rose in this honourable house to inform members of our government�s intent to enter into negotiations with the federal government and the Miawpukek First Nation to determine the terms and conditions for a land transfer agreement to expand the Conne River Reserve. I am delighted to report to this honourable house today that the Land Transfer Agreement has been concluded.

This additional land will allow room for additional housing development and the pursuit of economic development opportunities for the Miawpukek First Nation. It will also will ensure the community has the space it needs to grow well into the future.

Our government has also supported the aspirations for self-governance for the Miawpukek First Nation. Our government recognizes the Miawpukek First Nation would like more in terms of responsibility for the programs and services offered in the community. We are pleased to be moving forward with the negotiation process.

Our government made a commitment to work in partnership with aboriginal communities and the federal government, to encourage and assist economic and social development policies that are best suited to the culture and needs of aboriginal peoples.

Our government values and remains committed to our relationship with Chief Misel Joe and the Miawpukek First Nation. On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, we offer congratulations to Chief Joe and Mi�Kmaq of Conne River for reaching these milestones. We look forward to strengthening our positive relationship with the Miawpukek First Nation.

2005 05 04                                        2:35 p.m.