INDIAN AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 2, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the appointment of Serge M. Lamarche for a three-year term as a member of the Inuvialuit Arbitration Board.

"Mr. Lamarche has extensive experience in providing legal services and legislative support in the area of environmental law. Having served on a number of boards and commissions in the Yukon region, Mr. Lamarche's personal experience and involvement will benefit the well-being of Inuvialuit," Minister Strahl said. "I am pleased to support his appointment to the Inuvialuit Arbitration Board."

The Inuvialuit Arbitration Board is a quasi-judicial body with the jurisdiction to arbitrate any difference between the Inuvialuit and the governments of Canada, the Northwest Territories or Yukon, as well as between the Inuvialuit and industry as to the meaning, interpretation, application or implementation of the Western Arctic (Inuvialuit) Final Agreement. The Board was established in 1984 by the Western Arctic (Inuvialuit) Claims Settlement Act.

This release is also available on the Internet at www.inac.gc.ca