Government of Canada, Yukon First Nations and Government of Yukon to Gather for the Intergovernmental Forum

WHITEHORSE, March 7, 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 Grand Chief Peter Johnston and the Chiefs of the 11 self-governing Yukon First Nations have agreed to hold a meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Thursday, March 16, 2017 in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Established in 2002, the Intergovernmental Forum provides an opportunity for Canada, Yukon and self-governing Yukon First Nations to discuss areas of mutual interest and advance intergovernmental relationships.

The last meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum took place in Whitehorse on April 8, 2016.

Quotes

"I'm looking forward to meeting again with Yukon Chiefs, Grand Chief Johnston and Premier Silver. With over twenty years of land claim and self-government implementation, the territory brings a wealth of experience and inspiration for advancing reconciliation. The Intergovernmental Forum provides a valuable opportunity for us to advance our mutual priorities based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership."

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

"Our government believes that the Final and Self-Government Agreements are instruments for collaborative nation building, environmental protection, sustainable economic growth and, most importantly, reconciliation. A strong relationship between the Government of Yukon, First Nations and the Government of Canada is critical to the successful implementation of these agreements. I look forward to advancing discussions of critical importance to Yukoners."

Sandy Silver
Premier of Yukon

"Our relationship with Canada, through our agreements, is fundamental to advancing common priorities impacting Yukon First Nations. We look forward to meaningful discussions at the Intergovernmental Forum."

Peter Johnston
Grand Chief, Council of Yukon First Nations

Associated Links

• Government of Canada, Yukon First Nations and Government of Yukon Gather and Reach Agreement on a Way Forward for Yukon's Environmental Assessment Legislation

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

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]