Canada and Carcross/Tagish First Nation Complete Negotiations for a Renewed Financial Transfer Agreement

Six-year funding agreement will support the ongoing implementation of final land claim and self-government agreement

OTTAWA, Dec. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Member of Parliament for Yukon, Ryan Leef on behalf of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, is pleased to announce today that the Government of Canada and the government of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation have completed negotiations on the terms of a renewed Financial Transfer Agreement.

Land claim and self-government agreements in Yukon recognize the jurisdiction of First Nations over their own affairs. This agreement will allow Carcross/Tagish First Nation to continue to meet its obligations under its self-government agreement. This agreement demonstrates the Government of Canada's continued commitment to the successful implementation of Aboriginal land claim and self-government agreements. Once signed, the new six-year agreement will provide stable and predictable funding to Carcross/Tagish First Nation to continue implementing its agreements, delivering programs and services to Carcross/Tagish First Nation citizens and continuing its efforts to build the economy in the southwestern Yukon region.

Quick Facts

• Yukon is home to approximately half of all land claim and self-government agreements in Canada, with 11 of 14 First Nations having signed final land claims and self-government agreements with the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon. Of Yukon's 11 self-governing First Nations, Carcross/Tagish First Nation was the most recent to sign its agreements in 2005.
• All Yukon First Nation self-government agreements require the negotiation of Financial Transfer Agreements. The Carcross/Tagish First Nation Self-Government Financial Transfer Agreement is expected to be finalized and signed in the near future.
• The new six-year Financial Transfer Agreement will be in place until March 31, 2020, and will enable Carcross/Tagish First Nation to implement its land claim and self-government agreements, deliver programs and services to its citizens, and operate its governance institutions in an accountable and responsive manner to its citizens.
• The Carcross/Tagish First Nation's government offices are located in Carcross, Yukon, on the shores of Bennett Lake and Nares Lake.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to advancing the economic interests of First Nations. We are pleased to have achieved this Financial Transfer Agreement, together with Carcross/Tagish First Nation and I commend the leadership shown by Chief Cresswell. This agreement continues to demonstrate Canada's commitment to the implementation of self-government agreements because First Nations are best placed to realize on their social and economic aspirations." 

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"The completion of this agreement is a clear signal that the process for self governing First Nations is effective and that Canada is committed to ensuring its obligations are met. Signing of this Financial Transfer Agreement is a result of collaborative efforts and mutual respect for which I commend and congratulate Carcross/Tagish First Nation and Chief Cresswell."

Ryan Leef
Member of Parliament for Yukon

"This agreement shows what can be achieved when treaty partners work together on common goals. Providing predictable and stable funding is essential for us to continue to meet the long term needs of our First Nation. I appreciate the hard work of the Minister and the strength and support of our citizens in finally reaching this agreement so that we can move forward on meeting the needs of our citizens as a First Nation government."

Khà Shâde Héni Dan Cresswell
Carcross/Tagish First Nation

Related Product

Backgrounder: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada support for Self-Government and other Programs and Services in Yukon

Associated Links

Setting Our Course: Yukon First Nations Self-Government(video)
Building the Future: Yukon First Nation Self-Government (publication):
Carcross/Tagish Community Profile

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Erica Meekes, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160, You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.