Statement by Minister Carolyn Bennett Following her Participation in this Week's Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's (ITK) Annual General Assembly

KUJJUAQ, QC (NUNAVIK),, Sept. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - The Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement today:

"Yesterday, in the beautiful community of Kuujjuaq, I was honoured to meet with Inuit leaders from across Inuit Nunangat and to listen to their important discussions on issues of deep concern for Inuit and all Canadians.

We have heard clearly about the need for Inuit to be able to protect their language and culture and improve socio-economic conditions of their people. 

The government is committed to a renewed Crown-to-Inuit relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

I am‎ encouraged by the collaboration and signs of progress that are starting to emerge in important areas such as climate change and adaptation, food security, housing and mental wellness.  I am also grateful to organizations such as Pauktuutit, for their research, expertise and hard work over the years in the area of violence prevention.‎ As always I am inspired by Maatalii Okalik and the impressive Inuit Youth Council.

I would like to thank the ITK for the invitation to participate in this year's Annual General Assembly. The energy and commitment of all delegates has been truly inspiring and I congratulate President Natan Obed, board and staff members on a successful and meaningful event."

This statement is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Stay Connected: Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Flickr. 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.