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Fort McKay First Nation Celebrates Treaty Land Entitlement

FORT MCKAY, AB (June 30, 2006) – At a special ceremony, Jim Boucher, Chief of the Fort McKay First Nation, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, MP Brian Jean, riding of Fort McMurray Athabasca, the Honourable Guy Boutilier, Alberta Minister of Environment and the Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Alberta Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, signed a ceremonial document acknowledging the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Settlement Agreement.

The TLE Settlement Agreement, which was finalized in 2004, provides compensation and additional reserve land that the Fort McKay First Nation was entitled to pursuant to Treaty 8. It affirms Fort McKay First Nation’s right to 23,000 acres (9,308 hectares) of additional reserve land.  Today’s signing is therefore an important acknowledgement of Fort McKay’s Treaty rights as a basis of economic self sufficiency and self governance.

“We are extremely pleased with today’s signing ceremony.  This agreement is an important public affirmation of Fort McKay’s persistence and commitment to receive its Treaty rights.  It honors the commitments and sacrifices of former leaders including Chief Dorothy McDonald and Elders to our Treaty rights. It also recognizes Canada’s fulfillment of its historic obligations under Treaty 8 for reserve lands and agricultural benefits,” said Fort McKay Chief Boucher.

“After 20 years of negotiations, Fort McKay now has the land and fiscal resources to pursue its goal of financial independence. We are now able to play a significant role in the oil sands exploration and regional economic development while ensuring that there are adequate reserve lands for our traditional way of life.”

“This signing is an important step for Fort McKay which will help the community to be able to seize the opportunities presented by resource development in the area,” said Minister Prentice.  “Through the negotiating and signing of final TLE agreements like this one, Fort McKay will gain access to additional resources, giving them more opportunities to explore economic development and improve the quality of life for their members."

                                           
                                
The TLE will see the transfer of 23,000 (9,308 hectares) acres of land back to Fort McKay. Approximately 8,200 acres (3,318 hectares) of these lands hold very significant oil sands deposits, which will eventually provide Fort McKay with a source of royalty revenue and opportunities to pursue economic self-sufficiency. 10,000 (4,047 hectares) acres were set aside to preserve traditional practices.

The TLE Agreement also provided Fort McKay with $41.5 million in compensation for loss of land use and cash in lieu of their outstanding Treaty entitlement and agriculture benefits.  This revenue has been placed in a Fort McKay Settlement Trust to preserve the funds for future generations and provide annual investment and revenue income for all members of Fort McKay First Nation.

“This historical agreement was achieved through cooperation and dialogue between the provincial and federal governments and the Fort McKay First Nation,” said Minister Calahasen.

“It is a collective achievement that will enable the Fort McKay First Nation to benefit from economic activities and opportunities throughout the region.”

Fort McKay First Nation is located approximately 65 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, Alberta. The First Nation is composed of Cree and Dene people who have for generations practised hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering along the Athabasca River.  By aggressively taking advantage of its close proximity to the Syncrude oil sands development, Fort McKay has established a wide range of oil industry-based companies that have provided both employment opportunities and revenue for its community.  Fort McKay is also a leader in environmental protection and industry/First Nation relations.

For more information, contact:

Nancy Doire
Fort McKay First Nation
(780) 828-2439
Cell: (780) 715-4512

Glenn Luff
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(780) 495-2840
Cell:  (780) 940-9880

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