FOR RELEASE
March 17, 2017
Canada, Yukon and First Nations governments meet at the Intergovernmental Forum in Whitehorse
Intergovernmental Forum leaders meet in Whitehorse.
Caption: Intergovernmental Forum leaders meet in Whitehorse.
Federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett, along with Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston and Yukon First Nations chiefs met today at the Intergovernmental Forum in Whitehorse.
Thursday’s meeting provided an opportunity for governments to provide updates on common priorities including reconciliation initiatives, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and Bill C-17 to amend the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA). Various intergovernmental fiscal matters were a key discussion item and a presentation on the Arctic policy framework rounded out the meeting.
All parties are encouraged by progress made to date and that dialogue is continuing on key issues.
Quotes
“Today’s meeting with Yukon First Nations chiefs, Grand Chief Johnston and Premier Silver builds on our strong commitment to reconciliation. The Yukon is an inspiration and an example of the transformative change that can be achieved when we work together. I’m encouraged by our collaborative relationship and what we are able to accomplish when we work in partnership. We have come a long way together and I look forward to the work ahead”.
–Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett
“Our conversations today set the stage for positive relationships among our governments. Our discussions focused on topics of critical importance to Yukon First Nations and all Yukoners – reconciliation, our fiscal relationships with the federal government, Yukon’s assessment regime and Arctic policy.”
–Yukon Premier Sandy Silver
“Yukon First Nations had the opportunity to meet with Minister Bennett to discuss important issues facing Yukon First Nations. We are encouraged by this dialogue and look forward to the minister returning in the fall for the next Intergovernmental Forum.”
–Grand Chief Peter Johnston, Council of Yukon First Nations
Quick Facts
- Yukon is home to 11 First Nations with completed land claim and self-government agreements, approximately half of all such agreements in Canada.
Contact:
Stephanie Brown
Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9223
communications.officer@nullcyfn.net
Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316
sabrina.williams@nullaadnc-aandc.gc.ca
Erin Macpherson
Communications, Yukon Region
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
867-667-3315
erin.macpherson@nullaandc-aadnc.gc.ca
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@nullgov.yk.ca
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