Canada/U.S. Sign MOU on Aboriginal/ Northern Issues

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". . .memorandum of understanding is intended to increase cooperation and information-sharing
to improve the quality of life of Indigenous peoples and northerners . . ."


OTTAWA, ONTARIO

March 29, 2010

Canada and United States today announced the signing of an important memorandum of understanding that will lead to improved bilateral cooperation on Indigenous and northern issues.

Signed by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, and his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, the memorandum of understanding is intended to increase cooperation and information-sharing to improve the quality of life of Indigenous peoples and northerners in each country.

"Canada and the United States share many areas of mutual interest and could benefit from sharing positive experiences and challenges," said Minister Strahl, "There is a great deal that we can learn from one another and the memorandum of understanding will help to formalize and strengthen bilateral relations between our two countries on these defining issues."

"I am honoured to join my colleagues in Canada to sign this historic agreement today," said Secretary Salazar. "Our strengthened collaboration will help to improve the quality of life for American Indians and Alaska Natives and Indigenous people throughout the United States and Canada."

Designed to establish a framework for future co-operative activities between Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Department of the Interior, the memorandum of understanding is a key accomplishment following the June 2009 visit to Washington by Minister Strahl. As a result of the memorandum of understanding, a joint work plan will be developed between officials at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Department of the Interior.

The work plan will focus on policy and legislation experience, socio-economic development, education, consultation and accommodation, environment and sustainable development issues in the North and other areas of mutual interest related to Indigenous peoples and the North.