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(KANESATAKE, JUNE 21, 2000) The Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, marked National Aboriginal Day by attending the initialing of an historic agreement on land governance by Chief Negotiators for the Mohawks of Kanesatake and the Government of Canada.

"This agreement is a substantial achievement that demonstrates what people of good will and courage can accomplish," stated Minister Nault. "We still have work to do, and we remain committed to negotiating a resolution of long-standing grievances of the Mohawks of Kanesatake. But we have laid the foundation for continued progress and for achieving a lasting solution to these outstanding issues. In moving forward, the Mohawks of Kanesatake and I share a common view that we must seek modern structures and creative solutions. This agreement reflects such an approach."

The Agreement recognizes an interim land base for the Mohawks of Kanesatake as well as their legal status under section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867. It also calls for the harmonization of Kanesatake laws and Municipality of Oka by-laws in certain respects.

"The Council and I believe that this Land Governance Agreement is a pivotal step in the right direction," noted James Gabriel, Grand Chief and Chief Negotiator for the Mohawks of Kanesatake. "It is the first legal recognition by Canada of our power to determine and control the use of our interim land base. The next step is for the agreement to be approved by the community in a ratification vote. In the meantime, we will continue to negotiate with federal government officials on outstanding issues and we will meet with representatives of Oka to pursue a harmonization agreement."

The agreement builds on recent achievements including a tripartite policing agreement, a Property Management Agreement, land purchases to enhance the interim land base, the resolution of grievances related to the Mohawk cemetery, the establishment of a nursing home for the elderly in 1999, and the transfer of administrative control over education to the Mohawks of Kanesatake.

"The Land Governance Agreement is concrete evidence of substantial progress. It is based on a commitment to working together to build a future based on civic harmony and mutual respect," added Eric Maldoff, Chief Negotiator for the Government of Canada. "The Agreement represents a new beginning for the region, one which is based on a strong legal foundation, as well as shared goals for economic and social development. This should lead to a more lasting rapprochement and greater prosperity for the region."

A ratification vote on the Land Governance Agreement will be held in Kanesatake in September. Community members will also be asked to approve a Land Governance Code that sets out principles by which the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake will continue to conduct its business as a government. It will guarantee open and responsible governance, in the best interests of the community, with full political and financial accountability.

"This agreement represents the best way forward for harmony and prosperity in this region we share," stated Grand Chief James Gabriel. "In that spirit, we will pursue our discussions with our neighbours in Oka." The Municipality in Oka has indicated its willingness to pursue such a dialogue.

During his visit to Kanesatake, Minister Nault also participated in National Aboriginal Day festivities with the local community and toured the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake's offices, the police station, and the new elders' home . National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity for Canadians to recognize the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis. June 21 was chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice and because many Aboriginal groups already marked this day as a time to celebrate their heritage.

For information and interviews, please contact:

Kelly Acton
Office of the Minister
(819) 997-0002

Steven Outhouse
Media Relations
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
(819) 994-2044

Michèle LaForest and Julie L'Heureux
Le Groupe Columbia Communications Inc.
(514) 987-1707

Fact Sheet:
Land Governance Agreement
Kanesatake

Agreement:
Kanesatake Governance of the Interim Land Base (PDF 30 Kb) in PDF format.

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