Deal reached in Lubicon Lake Band land claim

A long-standing land claim in northern Alberta has been finalized between the federal and provincial governments and Lubicon Lake Band with the parties agreeing to an almost $103 million final settlement.

As part of the historic agreement, the province of Alberta will pay $15 million “for purposes to be determined by Lubicon,” as well as $3 million for capital enhancements to provide post-secondary education. A large swath of land will also be handed back for the creation of a reserve. As significant as the monetary figure is, of more importance is a long list of infrastructure projects that will be built to improve living conditions for the 650 people who call the area home.

“It means a brighter future, a better economic future,” Lubicon Lake Band Chief Billy Joe Laboucan told Postmedia Tuesday.

Money will also be put into a trust that will benefit future Cree generations, Laboucan said.

About 144 homes will be built as part of the project, as well as community water and waste water services, heating and power, all-weather gravel roads and driveways, a fire station and fire truck, a multi-purpose community building and a community health centre. “This means a lot because housing up there is really bad. Half the houses have been condemned or are mouldy and they don’t have running water,” he said.

The full details of the settlement, which comes after decades of negotiations, will be released at a Wednesday news conference at the Federal Building in Edmonton.

The Lubicon were missed when the federal government signed Treaty 8 in 1899 and have been fighting for a reserve for decades.

Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett is expected to join Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Lubicon Lake Band Chief Billy Joe Laboucan to speak about the deal Wednesday.