OTTAWA, Nov. 7, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, issued the following statement today on the occasion of International Inuit Day:
"As we mark International Inuit Day and the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, we celebrate the vibrant culture, rich history, and fundamental role Inuit play in Canada and the world.
In keeping with this, Canada is committed to having Inuit voices lead the development of policies and programs that directly impact them.
In the spirit of reconciliation, the Government of Canada signed the historic Inuit Nunangat Declaration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Inuit land claims organizations and governments on February 9, 2017. The Declaration advances the shared priorities between Inuit and the Government of Canada, including the implementation of Inuit land claims agreements, social development, and reconciliation between Inuit and the Government of Canada. The establishment of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee stemming from the Inuit Nunangat Declaration serves as the permanent bilateral mechanism between Inuit and the Government of Canada to advance this work.
We have also begun work with Inuit to co-develop a new Arctic Policy Framework, guided by Mary Simon's report, which stressed the need for sustainable development and improved socio-economic wellbeing for Northerners. This Framework will replace the previous Northern Strategy and, for the first time, will provide a space for the policy priorities of Inuit Nunangat to be realized.
As we look towards the future, we are committed to serve as a true partner with Inuit to address the challenges and opportunities, celebrate their accomplishments and forge a path towards a strong and prosperous North.
Happy International Inuit Day! ᖁᕕᐊᓱᒋᑦᓯ ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᐅᑉᓗᐊᓂ"
Stay Connected
Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Flickr.
You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.
SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160
Share this article