Urban reserve in Edmonton one step closer to realization
Enoch Cree Nation, city sign agreement to pursue long-term working relationship
An urban reserve in Edmonton may become a reality after an agreement signed Friday by Enoch Cree Nation and the City of Edmonton.
“Coming together in a unified way solidifies our commitment to developing a strong and fair working relationship for the rights and benefit of all,” said Enoch Chief Billy Morin in a statement.
“This strengthened partnership in the Edmonton metropolitan region continues to honour the terms, spirit and intent of Treaty 6, while allowing for additional outcomes based on mutual benefit.”
The city’s participation in the Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) with Enoch helped lay the foundation for Friday’s agreement.
“This important step builds on the city’s Memorandum of Cooperation and Dialogue with the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations, along with our participation in CEDI. It also sets a strong foun- dation for maintaining cooperative government-to-government relationship with Enoch Cree Nation in the spirit of reconciliation,” Mayor Don Iveson said in a statement.
“I am pleased to embark on new ways of working together for the benefit of current and future generations.”
The agreement commits Edmonton and Enoch leadership and staff to a long-term working relationship. Leaders will meet at least once per year and maintain a joint working group focused on increased information sharing, opportunities for collaboration, and the growth and well-being of residents in their communities.
An urban reserve is a chance for a First Nation to purchase and control land within a city while agreeing to abide by city bylaws and pay equivalent property taxes in exchange for city services. Enoch says it’s hoping for land near the river valley.
Iveson said earlier this week that they’ve already started talking about how an urban reserve, regional transit and joint tourism promotion with the River Cree Resort & Casino could all grow out of this agreement.
Urban reserves have existed for decades in Saskatchewan, where there are now more than 50 urban reserves with First Nations-run enterprises and other businesses in commercial office parks, industrial areas and neighbourhoods across that province.
I am pleased to embark on new ways of working together for the benefit of current and future generations.