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A NEW ERA FOR THE LABRADOR INUIT

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (November 24, 2005) - The Government of Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) today announced that the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement will take effect on December 1, 2005.

Many changes will be triggered by the effective date. Most importantly, the Nunatsiavut Government will come into being, signalling the beginning of a new governing structure for the Labrador Inuit and for Labrador Inuit Lands.

The coming into effect of the Agreement will mark a new era in Labrador. The Agreement sets out a new regime for land ownership, resource-sharing and self-government, including Inuit ownership of 15,800 square kilometres of land to be know as Labrador Inuit Lands. Those wishing to access Labrador Inuit Lands for harvesting purposes, or for exploration will need to be aware of the new systems in place to do so.

As well, the date will mark the formal establishment under the Canada National Parks Act of the Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve of Canada, consisting of approximately 9,600 square kilometres.

“Labrador Inuit have waited a long time for this day, for close to 30 years of negotiations, and many years more to set our own destiny,” said William Andersen III, President of the Labrador Inuit Association. "The Nunatsiavut Government will continue to operate under many of the systems of Newfoundland and Labrador, and of Canada, in areas such as health, justice and education. But we will establish our own ways within those systems. Our language and culture will be added to our school curriculum. Our own people will become teachers, healthcare workers, administrators and decision makers. We will set guidelines and limits for hunting, fishing, mining and harvesting of our resources. We will always welcome and look for other people to come work with us, to do business with us and to live in our land,” said President Andersen.

“I am proud to see a dream realized for the Inuit of Labrador,” said Premier Danny Williams. “December 1 will be a historic day as officially Labrador Inuit will have control of their own destiny. From that day forward those who wish to do business on Labrador Inuit Lands must first deal with the Nunatsiavut Government. This will provide the Inuit a further opportunity to grow and prosper and provide a bright future with autonomy and hope for the future.”

“I congratulate the LIA on the momentous day that will forever change the face of Labrador and our province. Having this land claim agreement come into effect will give the Labrador Inuit more control over their own affairs. It will also have an impact on people and businesses throughout Labrador. I encourage all of those who may be impacted to become informed on what this agreement will mean for them,” said Tom Rideout, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This Agreement that will take effect on December 1 will mark a new era in Labrador and the promise of a brighter future for Labrador Inuit and all Labrador residents," said Labrador MP Todd Russell. "It is also evidence that the Government of Canada is committed to settling outstanding land claims for the benefit of Aboriginal people and all Canadians."

“This is a proud occasion not only for the Labrador Inuit and residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, but also the people of Canada,” said Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. “The Labrador Inuit will have the tools they need to continue to build a healthy community and strong economy, while the region will benefit from a more stable environment.”

The agreement was signed by the Labrador Inuit Association, Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada on January 22, 2005.

For further information please contact:

Marilyn Butland
Communications Consultant
Labrador Inuit Association
(709) 753-0794

Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-3960, 690-5500

Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Aboriginal Affairs
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-3015, 690-8403

Diane Laursen
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160

Backgrounder - How will the general public be impacted?

Backgrounder - How will business and industry be impacted?

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