Chief Says Urban Reserve 100 Years In The Making

Chief Says Urban Reserve 100 Years In The Making

Friday, May 02, 2008 at 16:04

 

 

A tentative urban reserve services agreement between the Red Pheasant First Nation and the City of North Battleford demonstrates the true spirit of the treaties.

 

That’s the opinion of Red Pheasant Chief Sheldon Wuttunee.

 

Wuttunee says the imminent creation of the reserve will represent a “true realization of the treaties” –- where First Nations people will be “true partners” in the economy.

 

He says his band has been waiting for this opportunity for over 100 years.

 

Wuttunee confirms the two sides have an agreement in principle.

 

Both sides still have some issues to solve, but Wuttunee is confident those issues will be overcome.

 

Wuttunee says agreements will be struck to ensure companies on-reserve don’t have a financial advantage over those off-reserve.

 

He also says the band plans to establish some businesses on the property.

 

According to Wuttunee, housing will probably be set up on the land eventually, but not right away.

 

Battlefords Chamber of Commerce president Patti Acaster says this development is good news.

 

Acaster says some people worry that companies on the reserve will have an unfair advantage over non-First Nation businesses — but she doesn’t think there’s anything in the deal that should concern existing business owners.

 

Acaster is of the understanding the band has every intention of operating its businesses on the same playing field as others.

 

North Battleford Mayor Julian Sadlowski says making sure a level playing field exists for all companies is key to striking a final agreement.