Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
April 10, 2008

The following statement was issued by the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Congratulations to Federation of Newfoundland Indians

I rise today to congratulate the Federation of Newfoundland Indians on the ratification of their agreement in principle with the federal government on March 29, 2008 � a historic day for thousands of Mi�Kmaq who are members of the federation and for all of Newfoundland and Labrador. This ratification came after a lengthy negotiation and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been a proud supporter and advocate of this process. Some 90 per cent of participants voted to support the agreement.

The Aboriginal peoples of our province have a great reason to celebrate with the ratification of this agreement by the members of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians. The challenges faced by Aboriginal peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador have been of the highest priority for this government. The vote by the members of the FNI to ratify the agreement is another positive step for Aboriginal peoples in our province.

Under the agreement, it is anticipated that members of the FNI, for the first time ever, will be able to take advantage of funding that will improve their quality of life. They will be able to access federal Aboriginal programs, including non-insured health care benefits and post-secondary education.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to improving the way of life for all people in our province. As part of that effort, we will continue to advocate for Aboriginal groups to access federal Aboriginal programs and services, while working with them to improve their economic and social circumstances.

I invite honourable members to join me in congratulating the Federation of Newfoundland Indians on this truly historic occasion.

2008 04 10                                                     1:45 p.m.

 


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