MINISTER STRAHL ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF KAREN SNOWSHOE TO THE GWICH'IN ARBITRATION PANEL

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Ottawa (June 5, 2008) - OTTAWA (June 5, 2008) — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the appointment of Karen Snowshoe to the Gwich'in Arbitration Panel.

“Ms. Snowshoe has an impressive background in Aboriginal law,” said Minister Strahl. “She has also been honoured for her significant contributions to the community. We welcome her valuable input to the important work of this panel.”

Ms. Snowshoe currently works as an articled student with Davis and Company. Her work is conducted in Vancouver, British Columbia and Whitehouse, Yukon. She has previously volunteered with the Musqueam First Nation and BC Children's Hospital.

The Gwich'in Arbitration Panel is composed of eight members, including a Chair and a Vice-Chair, chosen by a majority of the Panel. Selection of members is done by consensus, or if consensus is not reached, Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories may each appoint two members and the Gwich'in Tribal Council may appoint four members.

The Gwich'in Arbitration Panel was created to resolve disputes in accordance with the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (section 6.2.1).

 

Biographical Note - Ms. Karen Snowshoe

 

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