News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES INDIAN STATUS FOR NEWFOUNDLAND MI'KMAQ

LONG OVERDUE RECOGNITION UNDER INDIAN ACT WILL HELP BAND MEMBERS BUILD A BETTER FUTURE

November 30, 2007
ST. GEORGE'S, Newfoundland and Labrador

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Chuck Strahl and Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI) President Brendan Sheppard, today announced an agreement that will enable the Mi'kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador to obtain formal aboriginal status under the Indian Act.

" We're here today to build on the history of the Mi'kmaq people, to finally resolve an issue that has been neglected since Newfoundland joined the Confederation 58 years ago, and to ensure a better future for the Mi'kmaq people of this great province. And what a future it can be," said the Prime Minister.

Pending ratification of the agreement by a majority of the 7,800 members of the FNI, the Mi'kmaqs would be added to the federal Indian Registry and would then be able to access federal programs and services for status Indians as members live in communities spread across the province, no reserve would be created.

"This agreement was reached through negotiation – instead of lengthy, frustrating and expensive court action," said the Prime Minister. "The agreement means that the Mi'kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador will get the benefits and opportunities they deserve as First Peoples of Canada."

When Newfoundland joined Confederation in 1949, the terms of union contained no provision for extending the Indian Act to cover the aboriginal population of the province. Canada has provided ad-hoc funding support for social and health programs for Aboriginal communities in the province but formal recognition under the Indian Act will ensure the Mi'kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador enjoy full access to the same programs and services available to status Indians across Canada.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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