MR. GILLES THÉRIAULT APPOINTED CHIEF FEDERAL NEGOTIATOR FOR QUÉBEC INNU COMPREHENSIVE LAND CLAIM NEGOTIATIONS

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GATINEAU (QUéBEC), October 26, 2005 - The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the appointment of Mr. Gilles Thériault to the position of Chief Federal Negotiator for the comprehensive land claims negotiations with the Innu First Nation and the Québec government.

"With the appointment of Mr. Thériault, the Government of Canada reaffirms it's commitment to pursuing negotiations with the Innu in order to reach a final resolution of the issues of comprehensive land claims and self-government," said Minister Scott. "I am pleased that Mr. Thériault has agreed to join the federal negotiating team. Mr. Thériault has a great deal of experience in Aboriginal issues and he may count on my full support in carrying out his duties."

Within the scope of his mandate, Mr. Thériault will represent the Government of Canada in negotiations with the Québec government and the Québec Innu First Nations. These negotiations will culminate in signing a treaty which will allow for harmonizing relations with neighbouring communities.

"All parties are determined to conduct intensive negotiations, and I would like to draw upon that commitment to ensure a promising future for all local communities," said Mr. Thériault. "Much work has been accomplished to date, and I am confident we will achieve results that will satisfy all parties involved in this comprehensive negotiation."

President and founder of the consulting firm GTA Consultants, located in Moncton, New Brunswick, Mr. Thériault has more than 30 years of experience in the field of fisheries management, mediation and rural development. In 2003-2004, Mr. Thériault assumed the role of Chief Federal Negotiator for Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Following the Supreme Court of Canada decision in the Marshall case, his mandate consisted of negotiating agreements with the Mik'maq and Maliseet Nations pertaining to access to fisheries.

He also served as the spokesperson for fishermen in the Maritimes for over 15 years. In this capacity, he participated in developing national and international policies and sat on numerous advisory committees for various departments. Mr. Thériault is considered a leading authority in the field of fisheries development in Canada as well as abroad.

The nine Québec Innu communities are located in the administrative regions of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and the North Shore. The Innu Nation includes approximately 15,000 members.

For more information, please contact:

Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
(819) 997-0002

Hélène Philippe
Québec Regional Office
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(418) 648-7675

Biographical Note