|
Final Labrador Inuit Land Claim Agreement Ratified
Unofficial results show 3,287 “Yes” Votes from
4300 eligible voters
(Nain, NL.) May 26, 2004. William Andersen III, President of
the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) is excited to announce
that the final Labrador Inuit Land Claim Agreement has been
ratified.
LIA needed a total of 2,151 ‘Yes’
votes to ratify the Agreement and 3,287 ‘Yes’ votes
were cast. A total of 3,719 votes were cast, representing a
voter turnout of 86 .5 per cent. Overall, 76.4 per cent said
‘Yes’. These are unofficial results, with the official
results being released tomorrow.
“Labrador Inuit worked together to first
develop this Agreement and now to ratify this Agreement,”
says Andersen. “We are ready for this challenge. We are
ready to seize our future. The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement
is a blueprint for the future, one that needs to be lifted off
the page and translated into actions, policies and structures.
The Agreement represents the dedication, passion and hard work
of leaders, negotiators and tireless volunteers.”
Tom Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal
Affairs for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador says,
“This historic agreement is the result of almost 30 years
of hard work by the Labrador Inuit Association. Labrador Inuit
should be proud of the work that their negotiators have done
on their behalf. Ratification of the agreement is a major step
forward for Labrador Inuit as we move closer to the realization
of the final agreement that will provide the Labrador Inuit
with the necessary tools to shape their own future.”
"It's been a long time," says Wally
Andersen, MHA for Torgnat Mountains. "After the vote today,
Inuit of Labrador have chosen to take control of their future.
Self-government will bring self-determination. Most important
of all, we start to build a stronger future for our children
and ourselves. A gigantic step for the Inuit of Labrador."
“I would like to offer my congratulations
to the Inuit of Labrador on reaching an agreement after 30 years
of negotiations,” says Randy Collins, MHA for Labrador
West. “This is a historic vote after decades of hard work.
Self-determination has finally been reached to secure the future
of the Inuit of Labrador.”
"This is a historic day for the Labrador Inuit," says
Labrador MP Lawrence O'Brien. "The first Aboriginal land
and self-government agreement in Labrador will open new opportunities
for Inuit in Labrador, as well as for the broader community
for years, generations, to come."
"The Combined Councils of Labrador congratulate
the Labrador Inuit Association on this historic triumph,”
comments Ford Rumbolt, President, Combined Councils of Labrador.
“The land claim agreement will see the strengthening of
our member communities and marks a turning part in the history
of our council, Nunatsiavut and Labrador. We are strong believers
the land claim will positively impact Labrador as a whole. We
look forward now to continuing our strong relationship and embarking
on this new journey."
Now that Labrador Inuit have ratified the Agreement,
the Agreement has to be ratified by the federal and provincial
governments before it can pass into legislation. Both the Government
of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have
expressed their commitment to make this happen in an expedient
manner. Once this occurs, the Labrador Inuit Land Claim Agreement
will become law.
The Nunatsiavut Government will not be established
immediately. Labrador Inuit will have a transition period, during
which LIA’s Board and Executive will act as the transitional
government. Once ready, elections will be held to form the Nunatsiavut
Government. The Labrador Inuit Association represents over 5,300
Labrador Inuit. Labrador Inuit live in Northern Labrador, other
parts of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and across
Canada. This is the last outstanding Inuit Land Claim Agreement
in Canada.
- 30 -
Contact: Ruth Marks Communications Consultant 709-753-0794
June Perry
Communications Director 709-753-0794/709-682-2682
|
