e-Bulletin, Issue 17 - March 2012

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

In this issue, find updates on Claims, Economic Development, Education and Schools, Crown–First Nations Relationships, and Infrastructure, Housing and Emergency Management.

Claims

Canada and Mohawks of Akwesasne Conclude Negotiations on Kawehnoke Claim

On February 21st, Minister Duncan and Grand Chief Mike Mitchell of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) announced that Canada and MCA have concluded negotiations to resolve an outstanding specific claim that dates back to the early 1820s. Canada has made an offer to settle the Kawehnoke (Cornwall Island) specific claim, and the MCA has agreed to take this settlement offer to its community for a referendum on May 26, 2012. The proposed settlement includes approximately $5 million in financial compensation. Read the News Release.

Canada, Ontario and Fort William First Nation Celebrate Historic Land Claim Settlement

On December 16th, 2011, Parliamentary Secretary Greg Rickford, on behalf of Minister Duncan; Parliamentary Assistant David Zimmer, on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs; and Chief Peter Collins of Fort William First Nation announced the final settlement of a 160-year-old land claim that will strengthen the economy and create jobs in northwestern Ontario. This settlement of the Boundary Claim includes about $149 million in financial compensation from Canada. Read the News Release.

Economic Development

Canada Invests in New Hotels in Akulivik and Ivujivik

On February 17th, Minister Duncan and the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced $800,000 in financial assistance for the Akulivik and Ivujivik Cooperative Associations for construction of new hotels in their respective communities. Read the News Release.

Canada Supports Inuit Economic Development with Investment in Nunavik Biosciences Inc.

On January 17th, Parliamentary Secretary Greg Rickford, on behalf of Minister Duncan, and Minister Lebel announced a Government of Canada comprehensive financial contribution to Nunavik BioSciences Inc  , which will provide employment and training opportunities for Inuit, as well as a stable and attractive environment for the community and investors. Read the News Release.

Governments of Canada and Quebec Invest $750,000 in Nunavik for the Umiujaq Cooperative's New Hotel

On January 13th, Minister Duncan and Minister Lebel confirmed the investment of $450,000 for the construction of a new accommodation establishment which replaces the existing hotel in Umiujaq. Read the News Release.

First Tourist Project Takes Shape in Wemindji

On January 12th, Minister Duncan, joined by Tourism Minister Nicole Ménard and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for Northern Quebec, Pierre Corbeil, announced AANDC funding for the expansion of Auberge Maquatua Inn in Wemindji. AANDC will contribute $312,000 from the Aboriginal Business Development Program. Read the News Release.

Education and Schools

Statement on the Release of the National Panel's Final Report on First Nation Elementary and Secondary Education

On February 8th, the Panel released its final report   which provided feedback and recommendations on potential options to improve educational outcomes for First Nation students. The government is reviewing the Panel's recommendations and will respond to them in due course. Read the Statement.

Canada Congratulates Tobique First Nation on Opening of New Mah-Sos School

On February 21st, Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique–Mactaquac, on behalf of Minister Duncan, joined Chief Stewart Paul, members of his Band Council and staff, and students of the Tobique First Nation to celebrate the official opening of the new kindergarten to grade 8 Mah-Sos school. AANDC invested $10.3 million in the planning, design and construction of the new school. Read the News Release.

Investment to Build an Elementary School in Chisasibi

On February 17th, Parliamentary Secretary Greg Rickford on behalf of Minister Duncan; Quebec Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Geoffrey Kelley; the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), Matthew Coon Come; and the Acting Chief of the Community of Chisasibi, Daisy House-Lameboy, officially opened the elementary school in the Cree community of Chisasibi. The new school was made possible by a $14 million investment from AANDC, which covers 75 per cent of the total cost of construction. Read the News Release.

Crown–First Nations Relationships

The Government of Canada and Kahnawake to Strengthen Relationship

On February 16th, Minister Duncan and Michael Ahrihron Delisle Jr., Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, announced the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Kahnawake–Canada Relationship. Through this MOU, both parties will continue to strengthen their relationship by exploring ways to improve current approaches to land management, development, and membership in Kahnawake and to realize the full potential of the community. Read the News Release.

Infrastructure, Housing and Emergency Management

Government of Canada Completes Delivery of Modular Homes to Attawapiskat First Nation

In December 2011, Minister Duncan announced funding for the purchase of 22 modular homes to address the urgent housing needs of residents of Attawapiskat First Nation. On February 23rd, he announced that all 22 of the modular homes had been delivered to the community. AANDC is providing more than $2.5 million for the manufacture and transportation of the homes to Attawapiskat First Nation and for work needed to prepare the modular homes for occupancy. Read the News Release.

Funding for Grey Rock Power Centre on Madawaska Maliseet First Nation

On February 22nd, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and La Francophonie and Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, on behalf of Minister Duncan, and joined by Chief Bernard of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation announced a Government of Canada investment of $3.5 million for water, sewer and road construction infrastructure at the site of a 70-acre commercial centre. Read the News Release.

Measures to Improve Fire Protection on Manitoba First Nations

On February 21st, Minister Duncan and the Hononourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Provencher, joined by Gerald Houle, President of the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Association of Native Firefighters, announced federal government support to improve fire protection on Manitoba reserves. This $4 million investment is in addition to the $3.2 million funding for operations and maintenance of fire protection services on First Nations in Manitoba in 2011-2012. Read the News Release.

Completion of a New Drinking Water Treatment System in Kahnawake

On February 16th, Minister Duncan and Senator Larry Smith joined Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahawake, Michael Delisle Jr., to congratulate the Kahnawake First Nation on the completion and opening of their new drinking water treatment system. This new facility was made possible through an investment of $11.4 million under Canada's Economic Action Plan  . The project will bring sustainable, long-term benefits to the Kahnawake First Nation and create jobs. Read the News Release.

Expanding Broadband Network Services in 68 First Nation Communities

On February 10th, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament for Blackstrap, on behalf of Minister Duncan, with the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Saskatchewan Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice Chief Morley Watson and Chief Darcy Bear of the Whitecap First Nation, announced that the Government of Canada is partnering with SaskTel   and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations to enhance Internet services in 68 communities. The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are the over 15,000 students in 89 on-reserve schools. In addition, these First Nations will also be better placed to bridge the digital divide and to access e-services in key areas such as healthcare, learning, business development and banking. Read the News Release.

Canada, Manitoba and Bloodvein First Nation Partner on New Access Road

On February 3rd, Minister Duncan, the Honourable Eric Robinson, Manitoba Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, and Bloodvein First Nation Chief Roland Hamilton announced an investment for the construction of an access road that will connect the First Nation to the province's all-season road network. The project is expected to create 30 new jobs, provide skills training for community members and generate revenue for the First Nation. Read the News Release.

Capital Infrastructure and Emergency Management Funding for Miawpukek First Nation

On January 16th, Parliamentary Secretary Greg Rickford, on behalf of Minister Duncan, along with Chief Mi'sel Joe of the Miawpukek First Nation, announced an investment of approximately $700,000 to Miawpukek First Nation for water infrastructure upgrades and emergency management activities. Read the News Release.

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