Statement of Congratulations by the Honourable Bernard Valcourt on the 20th Anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

IQALUIT, July 9, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today in recognition of the 20^th anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement:

"I wish to extend my congratulations to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Cathy Towtongie, Premier of Nunavut Eva Aariak, and all residents of Nunavut on the 20^th anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

This anniversary marks a major milestone in the history of Nunavut and of Canada. Signed in 1993, the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement forever changed the map of Canada with the creation of Nunavut - Canada's newest territory.

It is an honour to participate in Nunavut Day celebrations and to witness the unveiling of the historic monument commissioned by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, which pays tribute to those who negotiated the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and made Nunavut a reality, and to those who continue to work in support of the territory.

The people of Nunavut can be proud of the significant accomplishments made over the past 20 years. The tremendous potential of Canada's North is promise of a bright future for the people of Nunavut, and Canada will continue to play its part in making that promise a reality. As work to implement the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement continues, Canada remains committed to working with the partners to the Agreement to improve the implementation process, for the benefit of all the people of Nunavut and indeed all Canadians."

You may also be interested in:
Nunavut Land Claims Agreement
Fact Sheet: Implementation of Final Agreements

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

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Minister's Office 
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development Canada
819-953-1160

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