OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 5, 2012) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today congratulated Sioux Valley Dakota Nation following its successful community vote to ratify its self-government agreements with the governments of Canada and Manitoba.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend congratulations to Sioux Valley Dakota Nation on its successful community vote," said Minister Duncan. "These self-government negotiations demonstrate the positive results of partners working together to achieve success. Through these Agreements, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation will be able to assume greater responsibility and control over the decision making that affects their lives, creating a foundation for a renewed relationship with Canada."

Once finalized, these Agreements will give Sioux Valley Dakota Nation greater control and law-making authority over a comprehensive range of jurisdictions. These include governance matters such as elections, membership and financial management, as well as education, health, social development, child and family matters, culture, economic matters, lands, environment protection, transportation and enforcement on Sioux Valley Dakota Nation lands.

The next step in the process is for the governments of Canada and Manitoba to approve the Agreements through legislation. Self-government agreements set out arrangements for Aboriginal groups to govern their internal affairs and assume greater responsibility and control over the decision making that affects their communities.

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

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