Whitehorse:  Working together to improve relations with First Nation governments was top of the agenda at   Yukon Liberal Party Leader Sandy Silver’s meeting with Liberal Party of Canada leader Justin Trudeau in Whitehorse today.

“We talked about a range of topics and focused our attention on the issue of improving relations with First Nation governments,” Silver said. “We also discussed the importance of improving economic development opportunities for Yukon First Nation communities.”

The Klondike MLA said he is pleased to see the priority Mr. Trudeau places on First Nations issues.

“His attendance at the Assembly of First Nations meeting this week demonstrates his commitment to improving relations with aboriginal people,” he said.  “In Yukon we know full well how much more we can achieve when we work together with First Nation governments.”

The Liberal Caucus has repeatedly advised the Pasloski government to change the adversarial way it interacts with Yukon First Nations.  Silver has urged the Premier to make use of the Yukon Forum, to address unsettled land claims and to accept the findings of the Peel Land Use Planning Commission that are supported by First Nation communities.  

Silver introduced Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in elder Percy Henry to Mr. Trudeau.  Mr. Henry was one of the presenters of the Together Today for our Children Tomorrow document to Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

Silver also presented Mr. Trudeau with a copy of J.J. Van Bibber’s book, I Was Born Under a Spruce Tree.

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For additional information contact: 

Sandy Silver 336-4367

Jason Cunning 667-8942