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TLICHO LAND CLAIMS AND SELF-GOVERNMENT ACT A PRIORITY FOR NEW SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (October 19, 2004) - The Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Act was introduced in the House of Commons today by the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

This proposed legislation will bring into effect the comprehensive land claims and self-government agreement between the Tlicho, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Government of Canada signed on August 25, 2003. The bill was originally introduced in the House of Commons on March 31, 2004, but died on the Order Paper at the dissolution of the House.

The Tlicho Agreement is the first combined land claim and self-government agreement in the Northwest Territories and one of the first such agreements in Canada.

"The Tlicho Agreement is an example of how Canada wants to see its relationships with Aboriginal people evolve. Together, we are building stronger, more respectful partnerships that will lead to a better quality of life for the Aboriginal people of Canada," said Minister Scott.

"The Tlicho people have entered a new phase in giving full expression of their longstanding and historical aspiration for self-government and self-sufficiency," said the Minister of State for Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Western Arctic, Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

Once the Tlicho Agreement comes into effect, a new Tlicho Government will succeed the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council and the Indian bands in the Tlicho communities. The Tlicho Government will have law-making powers to manage Tlicho land and resources, and to protect the Tlicho language, culture and way of life. The existing local governments in the four Tlicho communities will be replaced by new public community governments that will provide guaranteed representation for the Tlicho.

This news release is also available through the Internet at: www.maa.gov.nt.ca

For more information, please contact:

Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary
Minister Andy Scott's Office
INAC
(819) 997-0002

Pierre Collin
Special Assistant, Communications
Minister of State Blondin-Andrew's Office
(819) 994-7626

Diane Laursen
Media Relations
INAC
(819) 994-2044

Backgrounder - The Proposed Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Act

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tlicho Agreement

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