AFN Congratulates Atlantic Policy Congress on Strategic Partnership to
Support First Nations Fisheries

OTTAWA, Aug. 31 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and AFN Regional Chief for Nova Scotia-Newfoundland Rick Simon today congratulated First Nations and First Nations leadership at the Atlantic Policy Congress for forging a partnership with the federal government that will see new investments to support Atlantic First Nations fisheries enterprises.

"I am pleased to see that First Nations people and communities in the Atlantic will continue to be key players in the Atlantic fishery," National Chief Atleo said. "The fisheries have sustained them for generations and continue to provide employment and economic opportunities for their people."

The announcement, made today in Truro, Nova Scotia by Chiefs Jesse Simon and Lawrence Paul of the Atlantic Policy Congress (APC) and the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, will see the Government of Canada invest $7.7 million over three years to help Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations in the Maritimes and Gaspé Region of Quebec pursue economic opportunities in new areas of the fisheries sector, including aquaculture, seafood processing and marketing.

"First Nations believe that partnerships are an important part of the way forward to building stronger First Nation communities and governments," said AFN Regional Chief for Nova Scotia-Newfoundland Rick Simon, also a member of the APC Executive, who was at today's announcement. "In the Atlantic, revenues from fisheries contribute to better infrastructure for First Nation communities, help First Nation governments provide services for their people and support education and training. This is about working together to build sustainable economies that allow our communities to thrive and chart their own direction forward. I want to congratulate Chief Paul and Chief Simon, the Atlantic Policy Congress and all their member First Nations and Minister Duncan for forging an important partnership for success."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: Don Kelly, A/Communications Director, Assembly of First Nations, Cell: 613-292-2787 or [email protected]