Blackfoot deal signals progress
Blackfoot Confederacy chiefs from southern Alberta voiced their confidence that a protocol agreement signed Friday will make an impact. Blood Tribe Chief Roy Fox and Piikani Nation Chief Stan Grier joined Premier Rachel Notley for a signing ceremony in Calgary. Joe Weasel Child, representing the Siksika Nation east of Calgary, also signed onto the agreement.
Much has changed since Treaty 7 was signed in 1877, the premier said — and not always for the better.
“It’s time to update and renew our partnership with the Blackfoot Confederacy,” she said. “We know much, much more must change.”
The agreement, Notley said, “will allow us to work together in a closer way, and really help people.” First Nations people, she said, “must be able to enjoy the same opportunities as all Albertans.”
The protocol, she said, is a “nation to nation” undertaking, helping band chiefs work directly with cabinet ministers. That should facilitate progress on economic development, job creation, language preservation and other issues, Notley said.
The premier said her government has already concluded an agreement with Treaty 8 nations and is working on a similar protocol with those covered by Treaty 6. She is also hoping for an agreement with Treaty 7 nations not included in the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Responding to remarks about economic development, Chief Fox said he has “a number of presentations” to put before provincial officials. They’ll be a test of how “what we have signed is going to work.”
“We have already embarked on alliances with your government,” he told Notley.
“I am sure we and the government can work well together,” with First Nations getting their share of the profits from successful ventures. “That’s why I am optimistic.” Piikani Chief Grier praised Environment Minister Shannon Phillips and her government for their collaboration on restoring the Castle River wilderness.
Premier Notley was the first in Canada to commit to honouring the United Nations declaration on aboriginal rights, he said, and to respect all 94 calls to action issued by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The provincial government has also helped his nation repatriate some historic artifacts taken many years ago, he added.
Backed by recent supreme court decisions, Grier said, First Nations can now collaborate with government agencies and other organizations for the good of aboriginal citizens and all citizens of Alberta.
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