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----- Original Message -----
From: CNW Portfolio System
To: Portfolio E-Mail
Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 4:00 PM
Subject: Self-Government Framework Agreement and Land Transfer Agreement for
M...
CNW Group Portfolio E-Mail
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Transmitted by CNW Group on : April 28, 2005 19:00
Self-Government Framework Agreement and Land Transfer Agreement for Miawpukek
First Nation
CONNE RIVER, NL, April 28 /CNW Telbec/ - 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," added Saqamaw Joe. "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 the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis 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 the Honourable 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 an
population of approximately 800 living on the reserve and a population of
approximately 1,500 living off-reserve.
-30-
/For further information: 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/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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