-CP-The federal Crown-Indigenous relations minister and the chief of the Musqueam Indian Band have initialled an agreement they say brings the band one step closer to self-governance. Minister Gary Anandasangaree told a ceremony on Friday afternoon that initialling the Musqueam self-government agreement is a “significant milestone” and a “powerful step” toward self-determination. He says once the agreement is in effect, it will revitalize the Musqueam Nation’s inherent right to self-government and restore the community’s ability to create laws, programs, services and develop economic opportunities on the nation’s own terms. Chief Wayne Sparrow says being self-sufficient and looking after the community’s affairs has always been their vision. Musqueam has a population of more than 1,400 people with more than 50 per cent living on reserve. A joint statement says the next…
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