Specialist in Aboriginal issues will represent the Yukon

OTTAWA, Jan. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced today the appointment of Brian L. MacDonald as the Yukon representative for the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC).

A lawyer in private practice in Whitehorse, Yukon, Brian L. MacDonald held numerous leadership positions on boards, such as the Aboriginal Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association.

Mr. MacDonald has extensive experience working with First Nation governments and organizations to negotiate and implement land claim and self-governance agreements. He has also worked with communities to develop laws and policies that help to protect Aboriginal cultural and intellectual property.

Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment on the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's history. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that these subjects of national historic significance are recognized appropriately and shared with Canadians and visitors alike.

Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up the rich tapestry of Canada's cultural heritage offering visitors an opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.

Quick facts

• The Board is made up of 16 members: 13 representatives from each of the provinces and territories, along with representatives from Library and Archives Canada and the Canadian Museum of History, and a representative from Parks Canada who also acts as the Board's Secretary.
• To be a member of the HSMBC, an individual must reside in the province or territory that he or she represents, and have knowledge of its history and of the historical trends that shaped the development of Canada as a whole.
• Based on recommendations from the HSMBC, to date, the Government of Canada has designated over 2000 national historic sites, events and persons.

Quotes

"I am pleased to appoint Brian L. MacDonald to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. I am confident that Mr. MacDonald's extensive experience in Aboriginal issues will be a major asset to the Board, which has made a significant effort over the past years to commemorate persons, places and events associated with the history of Aboriginal peoples in Canada."

Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"I am proud that this member of the Champagne and Aishihik Nation will be the Yukon representative on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. I am convinced that the Board will appreciate his recognised expertise."

Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for the Yukon

Related links

Historic Sites and Monuments Board of CanadaBoard CompositionBoard members

SOURCE Parks Canada

Image with caption: "Lawyer Brian L. MacDonald will represent the Yukon on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. (CNW Group/Parks Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140117_C9373_PHOTO_EN_35615.jpg