e-Bulletin, Issue 14 - October 2011

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News

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

Legislation Protecting Matrimonial Interests and Rights on Reserve Introduced in the Senate

On September 28, Minister Duncan announced the introduction of Bill S-2, the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act. The Government is acting on its commitment in the 2011 Speech from the Throne to ensure that people living on reserve have similar rights and protections as other Canadians with regard to matrimonial property and interests. Read the News Release.

Grand Opening of a New School for the North Spirit Lake First Nation

On September 28, Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, congratulated the North Spirit Lake First Nation on the grand opening of the Victoria Linklater Memorial School. The new school was built thanks to a $14.4 million investment under Canada’s Economic Action Plan   and an additional investment of $1.5 million through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program. Read the News Release.

Canada Announces the Creation of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band

On September 26, Minister Duncan and Brendan Sheppard, Chief of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band, announced the creation of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band  . Members of the Band are now officially recognized as Status Indians under the Indian Act. Read the News Release.

Major Milestone Announced in the Development of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station

On September 25, Minister Duncan, with Minister Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister Rona Ambrose, Minister for Public Works and Government Services, announced the publication of a Request for Proposals for a design consultant for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station. The development of this facility, which will be a significant hub for Arctic science and technology, is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s Northern Strategy. Read the News Release.

Ahousaht First Nation Opens the Maaqtusiis School

On September 15, James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo–Alberni, on behalf of Minister Duncan, congratulated the Ahousaht First Nation on the opening of the Maaqtusiis School. The community received $9 million through Canada’s Economic Action Plan   and $3.8 million through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program for the construction of the new school. The new facility will serve students in grades 8 to 12 and includes 4 teacherages and 11 classrooms. Read the News Release.

Saddle Lake First Nation Opens New Water Treatment Plant

On September 14, Minister Duncan congratulated Saddle Lake First Nation on the opening of its new state-of-the-art water treatment plant. This project was made possible due to the combined investment of $13 million from Canada’s Economic Action Plan   and the Department’s First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan. Read the News Release.

Historic Land Claim Settlement Marks New Beginning for Bigstone and Peerless Trout First Nations

On September 12, Minister Duncan attended a special ceremony in Wabasca, Alberta, to celebrate the conclusion of a historic land claim settlement in northern Alberta and to mark a major turning point for Bigstone and Peerless Trout First Nations. A key part of the settlement was the creation of a new band for the communities of Peerless Lake and Trout Lake. Read the News Release.

Tk'emlups First Nation Opens New Wastewater System

On September 12, Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, on behalf of Minister Duncan, congratulated Tk’emlups First Nation on the grand opening of its new wastewater collection system. The system will provide services to 114 existing community homes, the First Nation administration building and the Sk’elep School of Excellence. Read the News Release.

Canada, New Brunswick and Mi'gmag and Maliseet of New Brunswick Establish Negotiation Process

On September 9, Minister Duncan and the Honourable David Alward, Premier and Minister responsible for the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat of New Brunswick, and the Chiefs of Mi’gmag and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) First Nations of New Brunswick signed the Mi’gmag Wolastoqiyik / New Brunswick / Canada Umbrella Agreement. This Umbrella Agreement establishes an effective and orderly process to help guide discussions among the parties towards the conclusion of a Framework Agreement on Aboriginal and treaty rights and self-government, and a consultation agreement. Read the News Release.

Support for Clean Energy Projects in Aboriginal and Northern Communities

On August 31, Minister Duncan announced the renewal of the ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program, which will build on the progress already made in assisting communities to mitigate climate change. The program will receive $20 million over the next five years. Read the News Release.

Hiawatha First Nation Completes a Multi-Unit Housing Project

On August 23, Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, on behalf of Minister Duncan, congratulated Hiawatha First Nation on the opening of its new six-unit housing complex. This 8,134 square-foot complex includes 4 two-bedroom units and 2 three-bedroom units to address the needs of young families, seniors and the disabled. The Government of Canada contributed $612,500 towards this project and Hiawatha First Nation invested approximately $587,500. Read the News Release.

Minister Duncan Marks First Anniversary of the Apology for the 1950s Relocation of Inuit Families to the High Arctic

August 18 marked the first anniversary of the Government’s apology for the relocation of Inuit families in the 1950s, and for the hardships and losses they suffered as a result. Nineteen Inuit families from Inukjuak and three families from Pond Inlet were relocated 1,200 km from their homes, into an unfamiliar, difficult environment. Read the Statement.

Success Story Vignette of the Month: Manitobah Mukluks – Job Creation and Economic Developmen

Founded by two Métis siblings, Manitobah Mukluks has grown from a tiny native crafts outlet to a thriving commercial operation, providing employment and taking the worldwide fashion industry by storm. View the Vignette.

 

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