2-02499

FUNDS SUPPORT WILDLIFE VIEWING VENTURE IN FISHING BRANCH

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (October 21, 2004) - Yukon Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell announced today, on behalf of the Minister of State for Northern Development, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, support for a new tourism venture in the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation traditional territory.

The Vuntut Development Corporation (VDC), the economic development arm of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, will receive $24,923 through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Resource Partnerships Program to immediately commence a Grizzly Bear Viewing Feasibility Study. The study will explore the potential of developing a world-class wildlife viewing site at the Fishing Branch Ni'iinlii'njik Park, near Bear Cave Mountain, south of Old Crow. The park features unique limestone caves and the highest known seasonal density of grizzly bears in the Arctic, which congregate each fall to feed on spawning salmon.

As committed to in the 2004 Speech from the Throne, INAC is working with Northerners to foster sustainable economic development opportunities, to protect the environment and to close the gap in life chances between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians. Strategic investments in economic development is an important building block for strong and healthy First Nations and Inuit communities.

“Wilderness tourism provides great economic opportunities for Yukon First Nation people,” said Mr. Bagnell. “This is an excellent initiative taking advantage of some of Yukon's spectacular assets and the traditional knowledge of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.”

“The Government of Canada is committed to creating a better and brighter future for First Nation northern communities,” said Minister Blondin-Andrew. “Developing a grizzly bear viewing site in the Vuntut Gwitchin territory will provide economic opportunities for the Vuntut Gwitchin people to share their unique resources and environment with visitors.”

“The Fishing Branch area, particularly Bear Cave Mountain not only provides world-class bear viewing opportunities but is also a cultural and historical area for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, with an oral history dating back thousands of years. We are excited about the potential of this economic eco-tourism opportunity, and working with one of the best bear men in North America, Phil Timpany. With INAC's support this may prove to be the start of many tourism opportunities in north Yukon,” said Ron Daub, Executive Director of Vuntut Development Corporation.

Since April 2002, INAC has invested $4.2 million in Yukon projects under the Resource Partnerships Program, which funds joint working agreements that are committed to enhancing Aboriginal participation in resource development. During this same period, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has invested almost $5.5 million in economic development programs to support 39 projects in the Yukon Territory.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Mills
President
Vuntut Development Corporation
Phone: (867) 393-3729

Colleen Parker
Economic Development Officer
Economic Development
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(867) 667-3396

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