September 12, 2008

Thank you and good evening. 

I’m honoured to have been invited today to help celebrate this important anniversary. It’s been great to see you all here.

I’d like to thank:

• Chief Allen Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation;
• Chief Vern Janvier of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation;
• Chief Jim Boucher of the Fort McKay First Nation;
• Chief Albert Cree of the Fort McMurray No. 468 First Nation;
• Chief Roxanne Marcel of the Mikisew Cree First Nation; and
• National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations,

for bringing us all together today. 

And I’d like to also acknowledge:

• Mayor Melissa Blake, Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo;
• Maria David-Evans, Alberta Deputy Minister,Aboriginal Relations;

And the many other esteemed colleagues I see here in this room tonight. 

Ladies and gentlemen, today marks an important day for our region and for all Northeastern Albertans.

Twenty years ago, the Athabasca Tribal Council was formed creating an effective partner in promoting and furthering the prosperity of our region.

Over the years, Government, local industry, and local Aboriginal Communities have succeeded in working together to create positive solutions and positive results.

The Federal Government has also set a course for success with Aboriginal issues on both national and regional scales.

Prime Minister Harper’s historic Residential Schools Apology and the creation of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission in June of this year are important indications of our Government’s commitment.

Also in June, amendments to the Indian Oil and Gas Act were introduced in the House of Commons. 

These amendments will help to bring the Indian Oil and Gas Act in line with current provincial legislation, and create more clear, transparent, and efficient regulations for the oil and gas industry.

They will also help to ensure environmental protection of First Nation lands, increase regulatory compliance and facilitate the collection of royalties and other monetary compensation due.

In addition, Indian Oil and Gas Canada, IOGC, has launched a process of continuous change of its regulatory regime to ensure that Canada operates under the most modern regime available. 

IOGC will begin work with the Indian Resource Council on the development of proposed amendments to the Indian Oil and Gas Regulations.

In terms of economic development, IOGC collected $202 million dollars on behalf of First Nations in fiscal year 2007-2008 and has collected over $1 billion dollars in the last five years.

Furthermore, the Government has implemented enabling legislation in a number of areas, including commercial and industrial development on reserve, land management, oil and gas, and monies management, taxation, and financial and statistical management.

The Government of Canada is focused.  We are working with Aboriginal communities to define priorities that are making a difference in improving the lives of Aboriginal peoples.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Athabasca Tribal Council, we also celebrate what can be achieved when all orders of government and industry work together towards a common goal.

Congratulations.

And thank you.