OTTAWA,
ON, Feb. 25, 2025 /CNW/ - The Minister of
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister
responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development
Agency, Gary Anandasangaree, issued the following statement
today:
"I was honoured to join Modern Treaty partners at this week's
Land Claims Agreements Coalition Conference, commemorating 50 years
since the signing of the first Modern Treaty in Canada. We are proud of the progress we've
made with Modern Treaty partners, creating new foundations for the
revitalization of Indigenous self-governance, built on their unique
identities and cultures. This anniversary is an opportunity for all
people to learn about Modern Treaties and reflect on our shared
journey towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
The very first Modern Treaty – the landmark James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement was
signed on November 11, 1975. There
are now 27 Modern Treaties in effect, covering more than 40 per
cent of the country's landmass and involving more than 90
Indigenous communities.
For over 50 years, Indigenous communities have led the way with
Modern Treaties— exercising their rights over their lands and
resources, creating new economic opportunities and revitalizing
their communities through strong and proud connections to their
traditions, languages and cultures. At this week's conference,
Indigenous leaders and other experts shared their stories of
innovation, progress and the ongoing work that lies ahead.
Modern Treaties and their associated self-government agreements
are reconciliation in action, and promote social, cultural,
political, and economic autonomy and well-being for Indigenous
communities. These agreements support Indigenous Peoples in making
their own choices about what is best for their communities and
exercising their decisions in multiple areas in a way that better
meets their needs, goals and traditions.
Protected by Canada's
constitution, Modern Treaties create a unique relationship between
the Crown and Indigenous peoples – an ongoing relationship with
rights, obligations and responsibilities on all sides.
Canada is working to implement
commitments and fully embody the spirit and intent of the Modern
Treaty relationship. Together with Indigenous Modern Treaty
Partners, we have co-developed Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty
Implementation Policy which set the direction for advancing
shared priorities. This includes the creation of the Leaders' Forum
and co-development of an independent oversight mechanism -- the
Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation.
I thank the Land Claims Agreements Coalition for their tireless
advocacy and significant role in this work. I remain committed to
advocating for the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation
and all our shared priorities with Indigenous Modern Treaty
partners.
We will continue to work together with Indigenous Modern Treaty
Partners to co-develop and collaborate on shared solutions as true
and meaningful partners and build stronger nation-to-nation,
Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationships that help
advance Treaty implementation for the benefit of their communities
and all Canadians."
Associated links
- Land Claims Agreement Coalition Conference
- Modern treaties
- Canada's Collaborative Modern
Treaty Implementation Policy
SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Canada
