Announcement of 8 new entrants into the FNLMA

Notes for an address by the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, PC, MP
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

At the Announcement of 8 new entrants into the FNLMA
Ottawa, Ontario
March 25, 2013

 

Check against delivery

Good morning/afternoon and welcome, elder(s), Chiefs, and Chairs of the First Nations Land Advisory Board and the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre.  

Our Government remains focused on creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity.

And we recognize that economic opportunities do not stop at the entrance to First Nation reserves.

That is why we continue to take concrete action to create the conditions for Aboriginal communities to take advantage of economic opportunities as they present themselves, or even better, create those economic opportunities.

The First Nation Land Management Regime is a shining example of the role government can play in opening the door for First Nations to assume greater control over their day-to-day affairs.

The First Nations Land Management Regime provides communities with greater control over their reserve lands and their natural resources, which are an important stepping stone to economic development.

As I look back on the progress made under the First Nations Land Management Regime, I am very proud of what our Government has accomplished, and equally important, what some First Nations have been able to achieve.

As we should, we have expanded the regime to include additional First Nations; we have invested in the regime so that more First Nations can take advantage of the economic opportunities it creates. As a matter of fact, in our 2013 Economic Action Plan, that the House will vote on Wednesday, we will invest a further $9 million into the First Nation Land Management Regime.

Today, we are here to welcome eight new entrants to the Regime. These eight First Nations are now positioned to assume greater control over their reserve lands and natural resources.

Participating in the Regime means they can begin developing their own land laws, which will enable them to better pursue economic development opportunities free of the limitations of the Indian Act, and operate at the speed of business.

This leads not just to new investments and jobs; more important it opens a path to greater prosperity and self-sufficiency for their communities.

Your presence here today is further evidence of the great work we continue to accomplish by working together. With your entrance, there are now over 30 First Nations developing their own land codes.

And there are also 35 First Nations now fully operational under the Land Management Regime, and one more soon to come.

In Economic Action Plan 2011, our Government reallocated $20 million to respond to the growing interest from First Nation leaders who recognize the benefits to their communities of participating in the First Nations Land Management Regime.

While there are many First Nations across the country who have achieved success under the First Nations Land Management Regime, I’ll raise as examples two cases.

The Whitecap Dakota First Nation is a brilliant example of what is possible when Government provides the tools a First Nation needs to achieve its economic aspiration.

Whitecap Dakota’s  growing list of thriving businesses, directly linked to the First Nations Land Management Regime, includes the current construction of a world-class hotel and spa. Their strong economy boasts an above average employment rate, often employing members from the broader community off-reserve to meet their business needs. What’s more, Whitecap Dakota First Nation is currently negotiating a self-government agreement, under which they will manage their resources, and build on their successes in economic development.

In British Columbia, the T'Sou-ke First Nation on Vancouver Island has become the largest solar energy producing community in BC. Their participation in FNLM opened the door to this opportunity, which has become a thriving business venture.

Today, each of you joins those First Nations already benefitting from participation in the First Nations Land Management Regime.

To the community leaders of today’s new entrants into the First Nations Land Management Regime, to the members of the Board, to the community members who will benefit, and to my fellow colleagues: thank you for all your efforts to bring us this far, towards a Canada where First Nations will achieve greater self-sufficiency and economic independence.   

I look forward to a brighter future where even more First Nation communities have greater control over the management of their lands, leading to increased economic opportunities. Based on your strong leadership, I am confident that it will be a future where we all benefit.

Thank you.