Today, gathered here in Iqaluit, in the transcendent beauty of the Arctic, we are moving together towards the dawn of a new era and a new understanding. You, the Inuit of the eastern Arctic, are today confirming your major role as guardians of the land of your ancestors, Nunavut. With Nunavut and this land claim agreement, you are determining something equally important—your future —because control of the land ultimately means control of your destiny. It means self-sufficiency; it means full partnership in Canada. And so, in this, the International Year of the World's Indigenous People, I feel privileged, both as Prime Minister and as a Canadian, to share this occasion with you.
The Nunavut Claim Settlement, covering an area greater than the three Maritime provinces of Canada combined, is the largest in North American history. The agreement resolves historical and legal claims to the lands and resources in this vast area of Canada. It ensures that Inuit will be full partners in the future economic and political development of their homeland.
But the settlement itself is not, of course, the end of the story. Indeed, in many important respects, the work we are completing here today is just the beginning. This land claim settlement is a vital and essential component of my government' s very real commitment to the north, and of our commitment to the creation of the new northern territory of Nunavut, in 1999. Already, a political accord has been signed, establishing the framework for this transition, and in six short years, a new government will emerge.
Through the public government of Nunavut, the Inuit and other northern residents in the area will play a much greater role in the affairs of the central and eastern Arctic. Nunavut will reinforce your voices, and your wisdom, in the discussions that most critically affect your communities and your livelihoods. And that government will take its rightful place, with other territorial and provincial governments.
In the course of this transition, we will redraft the map of Canada—indeed of North America. But our collective achievement is far more than a simple exercise in cartography. It is, at its core, an act of nation-building. Step by step, agreement by agreement, we are advancing towards a set of common goals: strengthening the economic, social, and political foundations of the north, and enriching an ancient and cherished culture—the Inuit culture. We are forging a new partnership—a real partnership—not only between the Government of Canada and the future government of Nunavut, but between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians. From the new climate of confidence that this settlement will engender in the north, all Canadians will benefit.
A central concern, both here and in Ottawa, is the protection of the Arctic environment. Inuit participation in environmental management and protection is a key component of this land claim Agreement. Economic growth must always be moderated by respect and protection for the environment, particularly the uniquely fragile environment of the North. Two years ago, the Government of Canada pledged $100 million dollars, under the Green Plan Initiative, to produce a comprehensive arctic environmental strategy. This six-year program includes action to remove wastes from unoccupied Crown Lands; to set up water-quality stations across the territories; to identify contaminants that threaten the eco-system, including human health; and to help northern communities develop environmental projects and management plans. In the same spirit, we are working closely with seven other arctic nations to formulate an international strategy for environmental protection in the north.
Canada is taking a lead role in the conservation of arctic flora and fauna. But, clearly, that cooperation will not proceed effectively unless those who live and work in the Arctic are directly involved. To that end, my government has continued to transfer powers and responsibilities to territorial governments.
Partnership is also the glue that binds our Northern Economic Development Strategy. Native and non-native representatives, public and private sector of ficials—all of us are and must be involved if we hope to achieve our mutual goal—economic self-reliance in northern communities. I have no doubt that the document we are signing today will also stimulate economic development in Inuit communities of the central and eastern Arctic.
The Government of Canada is now working toward the resolution of other aboriginal dreams, no less legitimate. As Prime Minister, I am proud to note that my government has signed more agreements and resolved more areas of difference with aboriginal people than any other in our history. But, the success of those initiatives has not, in any way, been ours alone. On the contrary, much of what has been achieved is the result of hard work by aboriginal groups, territorial and provincial governments. That is as it should be.
In September 1990, my government reinforced its commitment to native Canadians when it announced the Native Agenda—a bold and comprehensive action plan designed to accelerate the resolution of long-standing grievances of Canada's aboriginal people and build a new relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation. The Native Agenda is supported by four central pillars, four basic commitments: to accelerate the pace of land claim settlements; to improve social and economic conditions; to improve the basic relationship between aboriginal peoples and governments; and to address the larger concerns of aboriginal peoples.
