Ministerial Statement: Advancing Indigenous Economic Self-Determination

Press Release

April 23, 2026

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation:

Speaker, I rise today in this honourable House to recognize and celebrate the vital role of Indigenous leadership, self-determination, and economic innovation to the prosperity of this province.

Indigenous-led enterprises such as Air Borealis, Mamattuk Restaurant, Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services, and Newdock demonstrate the leadership, resilience and innovation of Indigenous Peoples who have built and grown successful businesses with dedication and ingenuity.

Meaningful engagement and true partnership with Indigenous Peoples is a cornerstone of economic reconciliation. By working together, we can identify opportunities for collaboration to ensure shared and lasting success for Indigenous communities, that in turn, benefits the entire province.

Our government is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous leaders, Indigenous governments and organizations, the Federal Government, and others to continue to support the journey to build stronger, more resilient and prosperous Indigenous communities.

Speaker, we value and recognize Indigenous economic self-determination. I ask all honourable colleagues to join me in celebrating the success of Indigenous-led development. It is through open and respectful dialogue that we will find new opportunities, see our way through challenges, and develop solutions together.

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