HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, November 24, 2015 – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) today announced that the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Newfoundland and Labrador reaffirmed its position on the NunatuKavut Land Claim and the recognition of Aboriginal rights.
In a letter dated November 20, Provincial Leader Earle McCurdy stated that “an NDP Government in
Newfoundland and Labrador will respect Aboriginal rights and begin meaningful discussions on land claims with the NunatuKavut Community Council, with the goal of reaching a land claims agreement.”
“I would like to thank Mr. McCurdy and his party for this endorsement,” said Todd Russell, President of the
NCC. “It certainly goes a long way in helping move our land claim forward to the federal negotiating table.”
Back in 2013, the provincial NDP demonstrated its commitment to the NCC land claim when delegates at a federal NDP policy convention in Montreal put forward a resolution that called on the Government of Canada to engage in negotiations with the NCC on its outstanding land claim.
NCC firmly believes that a Land Claim Agreement would have a tremendous impact on securing the overall well-being of its people for many generations. It means better education, improved health care and benefits, support for elders, greater control of its own resources and increased jobs.
NunatuKavut has also received a letter of support on its Land Claim from Provincial Liberal Party Leader Dwight Ball. Support for acceptance and negotiation of a NCC Land Claim Agreement is virtually unanimous at both the federal and provincial levels of government.
For regular updates, please visit our website at www.nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at facebook.com/nunatuKavut and Twitter @nunatuKavut.
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For further information, please contact:
Kelly Nippard, Director of Communications, NCC, 709-280-5965
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