The Community of Ivujivik becomes a party to the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement

IVUJIVIK, QC, July 20, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, Geoffrey Kelley, and the MNA for Ungava, Jean Boucher, took part today in the ceremony to proceed with the official transfer of category I lands to the Nuvummi Landholding Corporation, thereby officializing the joining of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA) by the Northern Village of Ivujivik.

"Today, we celebrate the end of a process marked with respect and collaboration, and I am particularly pleased to share this moment with the people here in Ivujivik. It is a historic event for this village, and a perfect example of the harmonious relations that we wish to maintain with the Inuit", stated Minister Geoffrey Kelley.

Signed on November 11, 1975, the JBNQA provides, among other things, for the selection, by the Inuit villages, of category I lands, for their exclusive use and benefit, and of category II lands, over which they exercise exclusive hunting, fishing and trapping rights. In 2006, the northern village of Ivujivik expressed, by means of a referendum, its intention to join the JBNQA and to proceed with the selection of the category I and II lands that are assigned to it under this agreement.

"This announcement is a perfect fit for the Northern development philosophy of our government. In fact, the Plan Nord, which we launched in April 2015, demonstrated our wish to develop the territory in an ethical and harmonious way, and in a manner that will benefit local and regional Aboriginal communities. I am pleased to note that today's announcement is a clear example of that inclusive approach, which is based on mutual respect and on collaboration between all parties", added Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for the Plan Nord and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region.

"With this transfer of responsibility, the village of Ivujivik possesses new tools and new resources through which to enhance its self-determination in relation with its territory. The Inuit possess excellent skills in the management and organization of their resources; I am therefore pleased to see things progressing in this direction", added Mr. Boucher.

Source :	Kimberly Labar
	Media Relations Officer
	Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs
	418 646-9131
	Josée Levesque
	Political Attachée
	Office of the MNA for Ungava
	418- 644-1363

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones

For further information: Kimberly Labar, Media Relations Officer, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, 418 646-9131; Josée Levesque, Political Attachée, Office of the MNA for Ungava, 418- 644-1363