e-Bulletin, Issue 11 - March 2011

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News

– A summary of recent Indian and Northern Affairs Canada announcements, opportunities and initiatives –

Nutrition North Canada

On March 9th, Minister Duncan and the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and MP for Nunavut, announced adjustments to the Nutrition North Canada program to ensure Northerners continue to have access to fresh, healthy, and affordable foods. The expanded list of items will help ensure a smooth transition to Nutrition North Canada and allow for two more cycles of sea-lift to bring goods to Northern consumers. Read the News Release.

Kitimat Liquid Natural Gas Lease: A Major New Source of Revenue for the Haisla Nation

On March 9th, Minister Duncan congratulated the Haisla First Nation and its partners for finalizing a commercial lease which allows for the development and operation of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Bish Cove near Kitimat, BC. The market value lease will provide significant economic development benefits including lease revenue, property taxes and employment/training opportunities for Haisla band members. The LNG plant is made possible as a result of the First Nations Commercial Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA). For more information on FNCIDA, contact Peter Tsang at peter.tsang@inac.gc.ca

Appointment of Parliamentary Secretary Greg Rickford

Congratulations to Greg Rickford, MP for Kenora, Ontario, who was appointed the new Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Duncan. Read Parliamentary Secretary Rickford’s Profile  .

Service Charter

INAC has developed a Service Charter that supports the Department's ongoing commitment to providing quality services. The Charter is a public commitment to the level of performance that clients can expect to receive when working with the Department. Read the Service Charter.

Canada, Yukon, and Teslin Tlingit Council Sign Historic Agreement

On February 21st, an historic agreement that will recognize the Teslin Tlingit Council's jurisdiction to administer justice was signed by Minister Duncan, Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie and Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC) Chief Executive Officer Peter Johnston. Read the News Release.

First Nation Conference Helps Develop Shared Knowledge

The third First Nation Governance conference   was held on February 15-16 in Whitehorse, Yukon. Hosted by INAC, the Government of Yukon and the Self Government Secretariat / Council of Yukon First Nations, the conference brought together First Nation, Yukon and federal government representatives to share knowledge, build partnerships and strengthen working relationships. Read the News Release.

Government of Canada and Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Ready to Settle on Damage Caused by Fuel Leaks in the 1970s and 1980s

On February 15th, Minister Duncan and Chief Arlen Dumas of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba announced they have agreed on the text of a proposed Agreement which would address the impact of diesel fuel leaks in the 1970s and 1980s. Read the News Release.

Minister Duncan Announces $4 Million Investment towards Healing and Reconciliation

On February 15th, Minister Duncan announced that the Advocacy and Public Information Program (APIP) will allocate $4 million in 2011-2012. This brings the total funds committed for APIP to $22 million over five years. Read the News Release.

Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act (Bill C-3) Comes Into Force

The Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act (Bill C-3) came into force on January 31, 2011. Applications for registration are being accepted and processed as of that date.  Read the News Release. Learn how to register on the Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act webpage.

Northwest Territories Devolution Agreement-in-Principle

On January 26th, Minister Duncan; the Honourable Floyd Roland, Premier of the Northwest Territories; and Nellie Cournoyea, Chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, signed an agreement-in-principle for devolution of lands and resources from Canada to the Government of the Northwest Territories. Read the News Release.

Second Métis Economic Development Symposium

On January 19th, Minister Duncan met with Métis Nation leaders, the Aboriginal Affairs Ministers from the five western-most provinces, and industry representatives to launch the second Métis Economic Development Symposium. The symposium presented an opportunity to make note of the significant progress made over the year and to discuss such topics as successful approaches to economic development and practical ways to strengthen entrepreneurship among Métis women. Read the News Release .

Canada, Manitoba and Manitoba Métis Federation Partner to Support Métis Participation in Resource and Energy Projects in Manitoba

On January 18th, Minister Duncan, with the Honourable Eric Robinson, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs for the Province of Manitoba, and President David Chartrand of the Manitoba Métis Federation, announced the establishment of an investment fund to support Métis involvement in major resource and energy projects in the province. The Government of Canada will invest $3 million in the fund. Read the News Release.



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