NEW DEPARTMENT OF FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS RELATIONS

Premier Lorne Calvert today announced the creation of the new Department of First Nations and Métis Relations as of October 1, 2004.

"The new department will focus on the provincial government's work with First Nations and Métis people with particular emphasis on education and participation in the economy," Calvert said. "Aboriginal people are the fastest growing segment of our population. These young people will have an opportunity to make up a large part of Saskatchewan's future workforce. A key aspect of the work will be to ensure a future that is wide open with opportunity for young First Nations and Métis people."

Previously a division of the department of Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs, the department of First Nations and Métis Relations will be separate from the department of Government Relations.

Premier Calvert has appointed Maynard Sonntag minister of the new department. Sonntag will also maintain responsibility for the Department of Highways and Transportation.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunities we will have as a new department to improve our partnership with First Nations people and Métis people, work with co-ordinating existing programs, and with input from the Aboriginal community, to give greater attention to the government's approach to Aboriginal issues," Sonntag said.

Nora Sanders is the department's deputy minister. Sanders most recently served as the Deputy Minister of Justice for Nunavut from April 1998 to May 2004.

First Nations and Métis employment issues, economic development, improving relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, and public education initiatives will be some of the new department's key areas of importance.

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson First Nations and Métis Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-8008