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AFN press release

AFN National Chief Welcomes New Minister of Indian Affairs

OTTAWA, Aug. 6 - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo issued the following statement today on the occasion of the Prime Minister's cabinet shuffle, which sees former Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North John Duncan named the new Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

"The cabinet changes announced today come at a unique time for First Nations and Canada, a time when we see a critical mass of support for change and innovation in the relationship between First Nations and Canada.

First Nations confirmed our direction forward at the AFN's Annual General Assembly only two weeks ago, and earlier this week we met with provincial and territorial leaders to set a proactive and progressive agenda for the future. First Nations are ready to move, Canadians are ready to move, and we want to work with the federal government to move forward.

I congratulate the Honourable John Duncan on his new assignment and welcome him as the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. I am well acquainted with Mr. Duncan. We have worked together in the past and I look forward to working with him in his new role. I extend an invitation for us to meet as soon as possible to begin setting out an agenda aimed at building stronger First Nations and a stronger Canada.

I want to acknowledge the former Minister of Indian Affairs, the Honourable Chuck Strahl and thank him for his hard work and dedication and wish him well as he assumes his new role and responsibilities. We look forward to a continuing, constructive relationship.

First Nations are ready to work together in a spirit of partnership and respect to create a better Canada for all citizens of this land."

Shawn A-in-chut Atleo
National Chief

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer, Assembly of First Nations, 613-241-6789 ext. 382, cell: 613-292-0857 or agaron[at]afn.ca; Don Kelly, A/Director of Communications, Assembly of First Nations, 613-241-6789 ext. 334, cell 613-292-2787 or dkelly[at]afn.ca

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UOI press release

New Indian Affairs Minister needs to maintain momentum

UOI Offices, Aug. 6 - Anishinabek Nation leaders are hopeful that a switch in the federal Indian Affairs portfolio won't delay progress in the bilateral process between First Nations and Canada.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is replacing Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl with long-time Conservative backbencher John Duncan. Strahl is replacing John Baird as the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

"Hopefully, the fact that Minister Duncan has been parliamentary secretary to Chuck Strahl means he is more or less up to speed on our issues," says Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee. "We would like to congratulate Minister Strahl on his new posting. We enjoyed working with him and we need to keep our issues moving forward."

Current priorities for the Anishinabek Nation include the comprehensive self-government, the Anishinabek Nation Citizenship Law, Matrimonial Real Property, Child Welfare, Treaty issues and at the individual First Nation level, Additions to Reserve issues.

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

For further information: Marci Becking, Communications Officer, Union of Ontario Indians, Phone: (705) 497-9127 (ext. 2290), Cell: (705) 494-0735, E-mail: becmar@anishinabek.ca,. www.facebook.com - add Anishinabek Nation as a "friend"