Canada, Yukon and First Nations Governments Meet at the Intergovernmental Forum in Whitehorse

WHITEHORSE, March 16, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, along with Government of Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) Grand Chief Peter Johnston and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met today at the Intergovernmental Forum in Whitehorse. 

Today'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".

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"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."

Sandy Silver
Premier of Yukon

"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."

Peter Johnston
Grand Chief, 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.

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For further information: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316, [email protected]; Erin Macpherson, Communications, Yukon Region, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 867-667-3315, [email protected]; Sunny Patch, Cabinet Communications, Government of Yukon, 867-393-7478, [email protected]; Stephanie Brown, Council of Yukon First Nations, 867-393-9223, [email protected]