2003
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Mary Hatherly, John Berniquez, Ruby Carter, Mark Bugden, Cheryl Brown-McLean, Bob Warren, Deanne Chafe, David Hughes, Tracy King
For close to two decades, the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, and its predecessors, negotiated with the federal government and the Labrador Inuit Association on the Inuit land claim. In August of 2003, these years of negotiations culminated in the initialing of the first modern land claim agreement in Atlantic Canada.
Extensive interdepartmental coordination and consultation, along with exceptional organizational skills, contributed toward the realization of this agreement. Through dedication, resilience, creativity and professionalism, the team performed in a dynamic environment of tripartite negotiations.
The members of this team demonstrated exceptional leadership in working together and with others; showed excellence in valuing people by developing strong, respectful collaborative relationships; provided innovative solutions fair to all parties; and through their dedication and commitment set a fine example of service delivery excellence.
The people of the province have benefited from having a team that has negotiated a just and fair agreement with the views, interests and aspirations of all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador in mind.
This experience has developed the skills and talents of a group of people who will continue to be leaders in the public service in the years ahead.