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MINISTER PRENTICE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO SAHTU RENEWABLE RESOURCES BOARD

Ottawa, Ontario (October 31, 2006) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, announced today that Camilla Rabisca and Robert Leon Kelly have been appointed to the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board. The appointments are effective immediately.

"I am pleased to support these two appointments," said Minister Prentice. "Both Ms. Rabisca and Mr. Kelly have deep roots in North and in particular, the Sahtu. Their knowledge and experience in the region will contribute to the important work undertaken by this board."

Ms. Rabisca was born in Fort Good Hope and has lived her whole life in the North. For 26 years, she and her husband lived off the land, making their living hunting, fishing and trapping. Ms. Rabisca has been an active member of the Hunter and Trappers Association, and has served on the board of the local education district. For the past six years, she has been a member of the Sahtu Renewable Resource Council.

Mr. Kelly was also born and raised in the North. A resident of Fort Good Hope, Mr. Kelly is currently serving a second term on the K'asho Got'ine Charter Community Council and is former President of the Yamoga Land Corporation, where he presently sits on the board of directors. Mr. Kelly co-ordinated Fort Good Hope's delegation to the 35^th Dene National Assembly.

The Sahtu Renewable Resources Board was established through the Sahtu Dene and Metis Land Claim Settlement Act. Its purpose is to establish policies and propose regulations related to wildlife, commercial establishments for harvesting, hunting, guiding and outfitting services. The board is also responsible for the protection of wildlife and conservation areas. It reviews any proposed government regulation on the matter of wildlife in the NWT area.

For more information, please contact:
Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002

Media Relations (819) 953-1160.

Biographical Notes - Robert Leon Kelly and Camilla Rabisca

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