Stelmach, treaty chiefs agree to annual meetings
Last Updated: Friday, May 23, 2008 | 10:56 AM ET
CBC News
Alberta's premier and the province's First Nations chiefs have committed to meeting once a year to discuss issues such as housing, health care, education and the environment, a plan both sides said would improve the quality of life for aboriginal peoples.
The five-year agreement was signed Thursday by Premier Ed Stelmach, Minister of Aboriginal Relations Gene Zwozdesky and the grand chiefs and vice-chiefs of the communities covered by treaties 6, 7 and 8. It also establishes biannual meetings with ministers responsible for consulting with the First Nations on land and resource development.
Additionally, the government said, the plan creates the possibility of other ministers agreeing to similar meetings and negotiations.
Stelmach said the agreement for the government and chiefs to work closely together will improve the lives of the more than 100,000 people that belong to the province's 47 First Nations communities.
"We have so many opportunities available to all in the province of Alberta, in terms of work opportunities education opportunities, and that's why we want to work with the chiefs to make sure that all Albertans benefit," he said.
Stelmach said that even though the federal government is responsible for the bulk of aboriginal programs, he believes the province can still make a difference in the daily lives of the First Nations peoples.
Treaty 6 Grand Chief Stanley Lagrelle agreed, adding that he was pleased by the province's effort.
"It's everything … these are the doors I'm hoping that this protocol agreement is going to open," he told CBC News. "We're always looking in instead of looking out, so that's the thing. I think we're going to be looking out more. I want us to open up these doors that are shut for us provincially."
The other grand chiefs also welcomed the new agreement. Charles Weaselhead, the grand chief of the Treaty 7 territory, said in a release that the signing was "an important step forward in establishing a collaborative approach with the Stelmach government."
"The protocol agreement provides a vehicle by which areas of concern can be addressed and streamlined to the decision-makers who can affect change," he said. "We applaud the action of this government in recognizing our vision of securing a better future for all Albertans."
Treaty 8 Grand Chief Arthur Noskey said in a release that all three treaty territories "celebrate in formalizing this relationship with the provincial government and look forward to future endeavors."
