2009 Western Premiers’ Conference

NEWS RELEASE – ABORIGINAL PARTNERSHIPS IMPORTANT FOR COMMUNITY GROWTH – June 19, 2009

COMMUNIQUE
Friday, June 19

ABORIGINAL PARTNERSHIPS IMPORTANT FOR COMMUNITY GROWTH

DAWSON CITY – Premiers of Canada’s western provinces and northern territories agreed on the importance of modern partnerships ranging from Public Private Partnerships to other kinds of cooperative working relationships including those with Aboriginal governments.

Premiers noted the importance of continuing to foster innovative partnerships with Aboriginal governments, organizations, communities and industry as these partnerships have the potential to create healthier and stronger communities by making a significant contribution to regional economies.

They noted that governments each have distinct expertise and resources and modern partnerships are new ways of working together to benefit everyone in society and make the most of the opportunities the changing world presents, from the global economy to the digital age.

In these challenging economic times, it is important for the federal government to commit to timely and full implementation of land claim and self-government agreements that will bring certainty and build capacity.  Premiers agreed this is vital for healthy, strong communities.

Premiers met at a separate meeting with the Chief and Council of the area First Nation, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. The group discussed self-government, self-reliance and cultural preservation.

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Contact:
Bonnie King
Director, Communications
Executive Council Office
Government of Yukon
867-667-5270
bonnie.king@gov.yk.ca